100 Popular Welsh Last Names
Welsh surnames are steeped in history, manifesting both the ancient Celtic roots of the country and its unique language traditions.
It tells of Wales history and many names starting with the patronymic system used to form names such as “Jones” and “Evans” as well as imaginary names relating to Welsh geography, mythology, or occupations.
This guide will highlight the origins, meanings, and continuing significance of each name, whether you’re doing your research or just interested in the beauty of Welsh names.
Welsh last names
Jones – Son of John
Evans – Son of Evan
Williams – Son of William
Davies – Son of David
Thomas – Son of Thomas
Roberts – Son of Robert
Lewis – Son of Lewis
Hughes – Son of Hugh
Morgan – Sea chief or great defender
Griffiths – Son of Gruffudd (strong lord)
Owen – Descendant of Owain (well-born or noble)
Rees – Fiery or ardent
Edwards – Son of Edward
Lloyd – Grey or holy
Price – Son of Rhys (enthusiasm)
Powell – Son of Hywel (eminent or prominent)
Pritchard – Son of Richard
Gwynne – Fair or blessed
Morris – Dark-skinned or Moorish
Parry – Son of Harry
Howell – Eminent or exalted
Vaughan – Small or younger
Meredith – Great ruler
Tudor – Ruler of the people
Bevan – Son of Evan
Bowen – Son of Owain
Hopkins – Son of Hopkin (small hope)
Madoc – Fortunate or good
Treharne – Strong or steadfast
Bryn – Hill or mound
Caradog – Loving or beloved
Driscoll – Interpreter or intermediary
Emrys – Immortal
Gethin – Dark-skinned or swarthy
Harries – Son of Harry
Idris – Fiery lord
Iorwerth – Handsome or worthy lord
Jenkins – Son of Jenkin
Maddocks – Son of Madoc
Meirion – Sea fortress
Mostyn – Fortress or stronghold
Probert – Son of Robert
Talfryn – High hill
Trevor – Large village or settlement
Wynne – White or fair
Ellis – Benevolent or kind
Cledwyn – Harsh or rough river
Dyfan – Little wave
Eurig – Golden or wealthy
Trefor – Great town or settlement
Aberth – Sacrifice or offering
Ap Rhys – Son of Rhys (enthusiasm)
Bach – Small or little
Bleddyn – Wolf or hero
Cadwaladr – Battle leader
Cadogan – Honor in battle
Carew – Fort or stronghold
Cynan – Chief or ruler
Dewi – Beloved (Welsh form of David)
Drakeford – Dragon’s ford
Dyfrig – Water dweller
Eifion – Derived from the region of Eifionydd
Eilian – Second or another
Elystan – Battle leader
Ffowc – Derived from “Falke,” meaning falcon
Garmon – Brotherly or ally
Geraint – Elder or old man
Glyn – Valley or glen
Gwalchmai – Hawk of the plain
Gwarthegydd – Protector or defender
Gwilym – Protector or resolute
Havard – Battle guard
Heddwyn – Blessed peace
Hywel – Eminent or prominent
Iestyn – Righteous or just
Ifan – Welsh form of John (God is gracious)
Llewellyn – Like a lion
Llinos – Finch (a type of bird)
Macsen – The greatest (from Magnus)
Maelor – Prince or ruler
Mathias – Gift of God
Meurig – Famous ruler
Morien – Born of the sea
Nefyn – Sacred or holy
Owain Glyndŵr – A historical surname meaning “land of Owain”
Pedr – Welsh form of Peter (rock)
Peredur – Steel spear
Pennant – Headland or high hill
Prys – Derived from “ap Rhys” (son of Rhys)
Rhisiart – Welsh form of Richard (brave ruler)
Rhydderch – Ruler or judgment
Seiriol – Bright or shining
Siencyn – Welsh form of Jenkin (little John)
Steffan – Crown or garland
Talfan – High summit
Tegwyn – Fair and blessed
Trahaearn – Strong like iron
Trystan – Tumult or outcry
Urien – Privileged or noble-born
Yorath – Derived from Iorwerth (worthy lord)
