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)