Brochfael – Name Meaning
The name Brochfael is of Welsh origin and is derived from the Old Welsh personal name “Brocmail”. The meaning of the name is “badger-like” or “badger-man”. It is a masculine given name that has been used in Wales since at least the 12th century.
The name Brochfael is composed of two elements: “broc”, which means badger, and “mail”, which means man. Together, these two elements combine to form a unique and meaningful name.
In Welsh mythology, the badger was seen as a symbol of strength and courage. It was believed that those who bore the name Brochfael were endowed with these qualities. This belief may have been one of the reasons why this name became so popular in Wales.
Popularity
The popularity of the name Brochfael has grown steadily over time. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in both England and Wales. According to records from the Office for National Statistics, it was ranked as the 545th most popular baby boy’s name in England and Wales in 2018.
Famous People Named Brochfael
There are several famous people who bear the name Brochfael. These include Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, and Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas.
Use in Literature
The name Brochfael has also been used in literature. One example is in the novel The Mabinogion by Evangeline Walton. In this book, one of the characters is named Brochfael ap Llyr.
Variations
The name Brochfael can also be spelled differently depending on regional dialects. Some variations include Brouchfel, Brucfel, Brucfail, and Brucfal.