Arianwen – Name Meaning
Arianwen is a Welsh name meaning “silver lady” or “white lady”. It is derived from the Welsh words arian (silver) and gwen (lady). The name has been popular in Wales since the Middle Ages, when it was used to refer to noblewomen. It has also been used as a given name in other parts of the world, including England, Scotland, Ireland, and the United States.
Origin and History
The origin of Arianwen is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in Wales during the Middle Ages. The name was likely derived from the Welsh words arian (silver) and gwen (lady). In Welsh mythology, Arianwen was the daughter of Llyr, the god of the sea. She was said to be beautiful and wise, and she had magical powers that allowed her to control the waves of the sea.
In medieval Wales, Arianwen was often used as a title for noblewomen. It was also used as a given name for both boys and girls. During this time period, it was common for people to give their children names that reflected their social status or family heritage.
The popularity of Arianwen spread throughout Europe during the Renaissance period. It became especially popular in England and Scotland during this time. In modern times, Arianwen is still used as a given name in many countries around the world.
Popularity
Arianwen is not currently among the top 1000 most popular baby names in any country. However, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.
In Wales, Arianwen is still widely used as both a given name and surname. It is also commonly found in England, Scotland, Ireland, and other parts of Europe. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in the United States as well.
Famous People Named Arianwen
There are several famous people who have been given the name Arianwen:
- Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood, an Australian actress best known for her roles on television shows such as Home and Away and All Saints.
- Arianwen Hughes-Roberts, a Welsh singer-songwriter who has released several albums.
- Arianwen Harris, an English author who has written several books about Welsh culture.
- Arianwen Jones, a Welsh politician who served as Member of Parliament for Cardiff South from 1997 to 2005.
- Arianwen Evans, an American artist whose work has been featured in galleries around the world.
