Cerys – Name Meaning
The name Cerys is a Welsh name, derived from the Welsh word “cer” meaning love. It is also believed to be related to the Irish name Ciaran, which means dark-haired. The name Cerys has been popular in Wales since the Middle Ages and is still widely used today.
Cerys is a unisex name, but it is more commonly given to girls. It is often seen as a modern alternative to traditional Welsh names such as Rhiannon or Bronwen. The name Cerys can also be spelled with an ‘s’ at the end, making it Ceryss.
Symbolism
The name Cerys symbolizes love and friendship. It is associated with loyalty and devotion, as well as being a sign of strength and courage. The name Cerys also carries with it a sense of adventure and exploration.
In Welsh mythology, Ceridwen was a goddess of knowledge and wisdom. She was said to have brewed a magical potion that could grant immortality. This connection to knowledge and wisdom makes the name Cerys an excellent choice for parents who want their child to grow up with an appreciation for learning.
Popularity
The name Cerys has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few decades. In 2019, it was ranked #719 on the list of most popular baby girl names in England and Wales. In 2020, it rose to #637 on the same list.
In the United States, the name Cerys has not yet made its way into the top 1000 most popular baby names. However, it is becoming increasingly popular among parents looking for unique names for their daughters.
Famous People Named Cerys
One famous person named Cerys is singer-songwriter Cerys Matthews. She rose to fame in the 1990s as part of the British band Catatonia before embarking on a successful solo career. She has released several albums and continues to tour around the world.
Another famous person named Cerys is actress Cerys Jones. She has appeared in several television shows and films including Doctor Who, Torchwood, and Misfits.
Use in Literature
The name Cerys appears in several works of literature including JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series. In Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, one of Harry’s classmates is named Mandy Brocklehurst who goes by her middle name “Cerys”.
The name also appears in Welsh poet Dylan Thomas’ poem “Fern Hill”. In this poem, Thomas uses imagery of nature to explore themes of mortality and time passing quickly.