Breton names belong to the Breton language tradition. This collection contains 291 Breton names with their meanings, cultural backgrounds, and pronunciation guides. You'll find 174 names traditionally given to boys and 109 names for girls, reflecting naming patterns from regions where Breton is spoken. These names carry the linguistic heritage and cultural values of Breton-speaking communities. Common themes include noble, leader, divine, showing what Breton cultures have valued across generations.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
⭐ PopularThis name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
Jos is a short form of Jodokus and Johannes. The name is of Breton and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (JUDOC) and (YÔ'ÂSH).
Mal is a short form of Malcolm and Mallory and is derived from a frenetic list of sources: Breton, Welsh, Latin, Gaelic, PIE (Proto Indo-European) and Old French. This name is linked to the following roots: (MÁEL) (CŎLUMBA) COLUIM/CUILÉN and (*MEL- / MĂLUS AUGŬRĬUM > MAL HEUR > MALHEUR).
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic, Proto-Brythonic, and Breton “*windos / *gwindos / gwyn > Gwenaël,” meaning “blessed and generous, white, fair.” Saint Gwen Teirbron was a Breton holy woman and wife of Saint Fragan who supposedly lived in the 6th century. Her epithet is Welsh for ‘(of the) three breasts.’ Gwyn ap Nudd is a Welsh mythological figure, the king of the Tylwyth Teg or “fair folk” and ruler of the Welsh Otherworld, Annwn. Described as a great warrior with a “blackened face,” Gwyn is intimately associated with the otherworld in medieval Welsh literature and is associated with the international tradition of the Wild Hunt. Saint Winwaloe was the founder and first abbot of Landévennec Abbey (literally “Lann of Venec”), also known as the monastery of Winwaloe. It was just south of Brest in Brittany, now part of France.
This name derives from the Breton “Malo,” composed of two elements: “mac’h” (pledge, hostage) plus “luh” (light). In turn, the name means “pledge of light.” 1) Saint-Malo (Breton: Sant-Maloù) is a walled port city in Brittany in northwestern France on the English Channel. It is a sub-prefecture of the Ille-et-Vilaine. 2) Saint-Malo was the mid-6th-century founder of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France. He is one of the seven founder saints of Brittany. 3) The church of San Macuto is a church on di San Macuto square in the Colonna rione of Rome, next to the Jesuit Collegio San Roberto Bellarmino in the Palazzo Gabrielli-Borromeo. It is the only church in Italy dedicated to the Breton saint Malo.
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic, Proto-Brythonic, and Breton “*windos / *gwindos / gwyn > Gwenaël,” meaning “blessed and generous, white, fair.” Saint Gwen Teirbron was a Breton holy woman and wife of Saint Fragan who supposedly lived in the 6th century. Her epithet is Welsh for ‘(of the) three breasts.’ Gwyn ap Nudd is a Welsh mythological figure, the king of the Tylwyth Teg or “fair folk” and ruler of the Welsh Otherworld, Annwn. Described as a great warrior with a “blackened face,” Gwyn is intimately associated with the otherworld in medieval Welsh literature and is associated with the international tradition of the Wild Hunt. Saint Winwaloe was the founder and first abbot of Landévennec Abbey (literally “Lann of Venec”), also known as the monastery of Winwaloe. It was just south of Brest in Brittany, now part of France.
Joos is a short form of Justus, Jodocus, Josephina, Josefa, Josepha, Jozefa, Josephus, Josef, Joseph, Jozef, and Johanna. It is of Latin, Breton and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (IUSTUS) (JUDOC) (YEHÔSÊPH) and (IŌÁNNĒS).
Lana is a short form of Alana and Svetlana. It is of Slavic and Breton origin and comes from the following roots: свѣтъ (světŭ) свет (svet) plus (Alan). In an independent name survey, Lana appears in 2007’s top-1000 name list at rank 402. In Hawaiian, Lana means “afloat; calm as still waters.” In Mexico, it is a slang word for money. The name also resembles the romantic term for wool: “laine.” In Kurdish, it is a female name which means “nest” or “the house of a lion.” The feast day is celebrated on November 25.
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic, Proto-Brythonic, and Breton “*windos / *gwindos / gwyn > Gwenaël,” meaning “blessed and generous, white, fair.” Saint Gwen Teirbron was a Breton holy woman and wife of Saint Fragan who supposedly lived in the 6th century. Her epithet is Welsh for ‘(of the) three breasts.’ Gwyn ap Nudd is a Welsh mythological figure, the king of the Tylwyth Teg or “fair folk” and ruler of the Welsh Otherworld, Annwn. Described as a great warrior with a “blackened face,” Gwyn is intimately associated with the otherworld in medieval Welsh literature and is associated with the international tradition of the Wild Hunt. Saint Winwaloe was the founder and first abbot of Landévennec Abbey (literally “Lann of Venec”), also known as the monastery of Winwaloe. It was just south of Brest in Brittany, now part of France.
Bree is a short form of Breana, Breann, Breanna, Breanne, Sabryna, Sabrina, and Gabrielle. The name is of Irish, Breton, Occitan, Welsh, and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (*BRIGONOS > BRIAN) (HAFREN / HABREN) and (GAVRIE’L).
This name is of Brittonic origin (Breton / Welsh) and derives from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel / mael,” meaning “bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured (chief, prince).” In the pre-Christian era, the meaning was “of a slave.” After the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, the name was changed as someone who is devoted (to God or a given saint). St. Mael was a hermit of Wales, sometimes called Mabel. He was a disciple of St. Cadfan, whom he accompanied from Brittany, France, Wales, and then to the island of Bardsey.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
This name is of Brittonic origin (Breton / Welsh) and derives from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel / mael,” meaning “bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured (chief, prince).” In the pre-Christian era, the meaning was “of a slave.” After the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, the name was changed as someone who is devoted (to God or a given saint). St. Mael was a hermit of Wales, sometimes called Mabel. He was a disciple of St. Cadfan, whom he accompanied from Brittany, France, Wales, and then to the island of Bardsey.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
This name is of Brittonic origin (Breton / Welsh) and derives from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel / mael,” meaning “bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured (chief, prince).” In the pre-Christian era, the meaning was “of a slave.” After the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, the name was changed as someone who is devoted (to God or a given saint). St. Mael was a hermit of Wales, sometimes called Mabel. He was a disciple of St. Cadfan, whom he accompanied from Brittany, France, Wales, and then to the island of Bardsey.
Arvie is a diminutive of Arvin and Arvad. It is of Breton, Welsh, and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (HOUARN BEV > HUIARNVIU) (HAEARN VIU > HAARNBIU) and ('ARVAD).
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
This name is of Brittonic origin (Breton / Welsh) and derives from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel / mael,” meaning “bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured (chief, prince).” In the pre-Christian era, the meaning was “of a slave.” After the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, the name was changed as someone who is devoted (to God or a given saint). St. Mael was a hermit of Wales, sometimes called Mabel. He was a disciple of St. Cadfan, whom he accompanied from Brittany, France, Wales, and then to the island of Bardsey.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
This name is of Brittonic origin (Breton / Welsh) and derives from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel / mael,” meaning “bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured (chief, prince).” In the pre-Christian era, the meaning was “of a slave.” After the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, the name was changed as someone who is devoted (to God or a given saint). St. Mael was a hermit of Wales, sometimes called Mabel. He was a disciple of St. Cadfan, whom he accompanied from Brittany, France, Wales, and then to the island of Bardsey.
Joost is a short form of Justus, Jodocus, Jozef and Johanna. It is of Latin, Breton and Hebrew origin and comes from the following roots: (IUSTUS) (JUDOC) (YEHÔSÊPH) and (IŌÁNNĒS).
This name derives from the Breton and Welsh “(Houarn Bev > Huiarnviu) / (Haearn Viu > Haarnbiu),” meaning “iron bright/blazing, battle worthy.” Harvey emerged as a family name in the English county of Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Researchers have established that the first recording of the name Harvey was in Norfolk, whereby William the Conqueror granted Robert Fitz-Harvey lands for his distinguished assistance in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
This name derives from the Welsh name “Arthmael,” composed of two elements: Welsh and Proto-Brythonic “*arθ > arth” (bear) plus “máel” (prince). In turn, the name means “‘Bear-Prince, the prince of the bears.” Saint Armel was an early 6th-century holy man in Brittany. Armel is said to have been a Breton prince, born to the wife of King Hoel, while they were living in Glamorgan in Wales in the late 5th-century.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Late Latin “cŏr / cordis,” meaning “heart, love, feeling,” which in turn derives from the Greek “kardiá (καρδιά),” same meaning. 2) From the Greek “kórē (κόρη),” meaning “girl, young woman, maiden, bride, young wife wife” plus “dêlos (δῆλος),” meaning “visible, conspicuous, manifest, to be clear or plain, limpid.” In turn, the name means “pure girl.” The name was borne by the tragic heroine of Shakespeare’s King Lear (1606), a character based on the legendary queen Cordeilla. Queen Cordelia was a legendary queen of the Britons, as recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. She was the youngest daughter of Leir and the second ruling queen of pre-Roman Britain. There is no independent historical evidence for her existence.
Delio is a short form of Cordelio, Adelio, Fidelio, Odelio, and Baudelio. The name is of Greek, Breton, English, Germanic and Latin origin and comes from the following roots: (CORDEILLA) (ADELA) (FĬDĒLIS) (UODIL) and (BAUDUS / BALDO).
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name derives from the Brythonic “Avon / aven”, meaning “river or water”. The River Afton is a small river in Ayrshire, Scotland. The river is memorialised in Robert Burns's poem “Sweet Afton” and this led to a number of townships in the United States being called Afton.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
This name derives from the Old Breton “Judicaël,” from two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord, the prince) plus “cael” (generous). In turn, the name means “generous lord.” Saint Judicael ap Hoel (~590–658) was the King of Domnonee and a Breton high king in the mid-seventh century. The word “jewel” derives from the Anglo-French thirteenth century “Juel” and Old French “joule” (ornament, jewel). Perhaps it comes from Medieval Latin “jocale,” from Latin “jocus” (a pastime, sport), in Vulgar Latin “that which causes joy.” John Jewel, spelled “Jewell” (1522–1571), was an English bishop of Salisbury.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
This name derives from the Breton and Welsh “(Houarn Bev > Huiarnviu) / (Haearn Viu > Haarnbiu),” meaning “iron bright/blazing, battle worthy.” Harvey emerged as a family name in the English county of Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Researchers have established that the first recording of the name Harvey was in Norfolk, whereby William the Conqueror granted Robert Fitz-Harvey lands for his distinguished assistance in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
This name derives from the Breton and Welsh “(Houarn Bev > Huiarnviu) / (Haearn Viu > Haarnbiu),” meaning “iron bright/blazing, battle worthy.” Harvey emerged as a family name in the English county of Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Researchers have established that the first recording of the name Harvey was in Norfolk, whereby William the Conqueror granted Robert Fitz-Harvey lands for his distinguished assistance in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name is of Brittonic origin (Breton / Welsh) and derives from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel / mael,” meaning “bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured (chief, prince).” In the pre-Christian era, the meaning was “of a slave.” After the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, the name was changed as someone who is devoted (to God or a given saint). St. Mael was a hermit of Wales, sometimes called Mabel. He was a disciple of St. Cadfan, whom he accompanied from Brittany, France, Wales, and then to the island of Bardsey.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
It is an Old English pre-7th-century locational name from either “Bredon” in Worcestershire, recorded as “Breodun” in the Domesday Book of 1086, or from “Breedon” in Leicestershire, recorded as “Bredona” in the Danelaw Charters. The place-name is composed of the Scottish Gaelic term “bre,” meaning “headland” plus the Old English pre 7th-Century addition “dūn,” meaning “hill.” Phelippe de Briden of Roxburghshire rendered homage in 1296.
Malina is a feminine form of Malcolm. The name is composed of two elements: from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel” (bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured ‘chief, prince’), plus the Gaelic “Coluim / Cuilén,” meaning “whelp, young dog.” Coluim is also used as a Scottish form of “Columba,” from the Latin “cŏlumba,” meaning “dove.” Mael is an Old Celtic name from Ireland, Wales, and Brittany. It was popularized by a 5th-century saint Maël who lived in Wales.
This name derives from the Old Breton “Judicaël,” from two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord, the prince) plus “cael” (generous). In turn, the name means “generous lord.” Saint Judicael ap Hoel (~590–658) was the King of Domnonee and a Breton high king in the mid-seventh century. The word “jewel” derives from the Anglo-French thirteenth century “Juel” and Old French “joule” (ornament, jewel). Perhaps it comes from Medieval Latin “jocale,” from Latin “jocus” (a pastime, sport), in Vulgar Latin “that which causes joy.” John Jewel, spelled “Jewell” (1522–1571), was an English bishop of Salisbury.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name derives from the Old Breton “Judicaël,” from two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord, the prince) plus “cael” (generous). In turn, the name means “generous lord.” Saint Judicael ap Hoel (~590–658) was the King of Domnonee and a Breton high king in the mid-seventh century. The word “jewel” derives from the Anglo-French thirteenth century “Juel” and Old French “joule” (ornament, jewel). Perhaps it comes from Medieval Latin “jocale,” from Latin “jocus” (a pastime, sport), in Vulgar Latin “that which causes joy.” John Jewel, spelled “Jewell” (1522–1571), was an English bishop of Salisbury.
This name derives from the Breton and Welsh “(Houarn Bev > Huiarnviu) / (Haearn Viu > Haarnbiu),” meaning “iron bright/blazing, battle worthy.” Harvey emerged as a family name in the English county of Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Researchers have established that the first recording of the name Harvey was in Norfolk, whereby William the Conqueror granted Robert Fitz-Harvey lands for his distinguished assistance in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic, Proto-Brythonic, and Breton “*windos / *gwindos / gwyn > Gwenaël,” meaning “blessed and generous, white, fair.” Saint Gwen Teirbron was a Breton holy woman and wife of Saint Fragan who supposedly lived in the 6th century. Her epithet is Welsh for ‘(of the) three breasts.’ Gwyn ap Nudd is a Welsh mythological figure, the king of the Tylwyth Teg or “fair folk” and ruler of the Welsh Otherworld, Annwn. Described as a great warrior with a “blackened face,” Gwyn is intimately associated with the otherworld in medieval Welsh literature and is associated with the international tradition of the Wild Hunt. Saint Winwaloe was the founder and first abbot of Landévennec Abbey (literally “Lann of Venec”), also known as the monastery of Winwaloe. It was just south of Brest in Brittany, now part of France.
This name derives from the Breton and Welsh “(Houarn Bev > Huiarnviu) / (Haearn Viu > Haarnbiu),” meaning “iron bright/blazing, battle worthy.” Harvey emerged as a family name in the English county of Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Researchers have established that the first recording of the name Harvey was in Norfolk, whereby William the Conqueror granted Robert Fitz-Harvey lands for his distinguished assistance in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic, Proto-Brythonic, and Breton “*windos / *gwindos / gwyn > Gwenaël,” meaning “blessed and generous, white, fair.” Saint Gwen Teirbron was a Breton holy woman and wife of Saint Fragan who supposedly lived in the 6th century. Her epithet is Welsh for ‘(of the) three breasts.’ Gwyn ap Nudd is a Welsh mythological figure, the king of the Tylwyth Teg or “fair folk” and ruler of the Welsh Otherworld, Annwn. Described as a great warrior with a “blackened face,” Gwyn is intimately associated with the otherworld in medieval Welsh literature and is associated with the international tradition of the Wild Hunt. Saint Winwaloe was the founder and first abbot of Landévennec Abbey (literally “Lann of Venec”), also known as the monastery of Winwaloe. It was just south of Brest in Brittany, now part of France.
This name is of Brittonic origin (Breton / Welsh) and derives from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel / mael,” meaning “bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured (chief, prince).” In the pre-Christian era, the meaning was “of a slave.” After the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, the name was changed as someone who is devoted (to God or a given saint). St. Mael was a hermit of Wales, sometimes called Mabel. He was a disciple of St. Cadfan, whom he accompanied from Brittany, France, Wales, and then to the island of Bardsey.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name derives from the Proto-Celtic, Proto-Brythonic, and Breton “*windos / *gwindos / gwyn > Gwenaël,” meaning “blessed and generous, white, fair.” Saint Gwen Teirbron was a Breton holy woman and wife of Saint Fragan who supposedly lived in the 6th century. Her epithet is Welsh for ‘(of the) three breasts.’ Gwyn ap Nudd is a Welsh mythological figure, the king of the Tylwyth Teg or “fair folk” and ruler of the Welsh Otherworld, Annwn. Described as a great warrior with a “blackened face,” Gwyn is intimately associated with the otherworld in medieval Welsh literature and is associated with the international tradition of the Wild Hunt. Saint Winwaloe was the founder and first abbot of Landévennec Abbey (literally “Lann of Venec”), also known as the monastery of Winwaloe. It was just south of Brest in Brittany, now part of France.
It is an Old English pre-7th-century locational name from either “Bredon” in Worcestershire, recorded as “Breodun” in the Domesday Book of 1086, or from “Breedon” in Leicestershire, recorded as “Bredona” in the Danelaw Charters. The place-name is composed of the Scottish Gaelic term “bre,” meaning “headland” plus the Old English pre 7th-Century addition “dūn,” meaning “hill.” Phelippe de Briden of Roxburghshire rendered homage in 1296.
This name is composed of two elements: from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel” (bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured ‘chief, prince’), plus the Gaelic “Coluim / Cuilén,” meaning “whelp, young dog.” Coluim is also used as a Scottish form of “Columba,” from the Latin “cŏlumba,” meaning “dove.” Mael is an Old Celtic name from Ireland, Wales, and Brittany. It was popularized by a 5th-century saint Maël who lived in Wales). St. Mael was a hermit of Wales, sometimes called Mabel. He was a disciple of St. Cadfan, whom he accompanied from Brittany, France, to Wales and then to the island of Bardsey. Saint Columba (Irish: Colm Cille, ‘church dove’) was an Irish abbot and missionary credited with spreading Christianity in present-day Scotland. He founded the famous abbey on Iona, which became a dominant religious and political institution in the region for centuries. He was highly regarded by both the Gaels of Dál Riata and the Picts and is remembered today as a Christian saint and one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
This name derives from the Breton and Welsh “(Houarn Bev > Huiarnviu) / (Haearn Viu > Haarnbiu),” meaning “iron bright/blazing, battle worthy.” Harvey emerged as a family name in the English county of Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Researchers have established that the first recording of the name Harvey was in Norfolk, whereby William the Conqueror granted Robert Fitz-Harvey lands for his distinguished assistance in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
This name is of Brittonic origin (Breton / Welsh) and derives from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel / mael,” meaning “bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured (chief, prince).” In the pre-Christian era, the meaning was “of a slave.” After the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, the name was changed as someone who is devoted (to God or a given saint). St. Mael was a hermit of Wales, sometimes called Mabel. He was a disciple of St. Cadfan, whom he accompanied from Brittany, France, Wales, and then to the island of Bardsey.
This name derives from the Breton and Welsh “(Houarn Bev > Huiarnviu) / (Haearn Viu > Haarnbiu),” meaning “iron bright/blazing, battle worthy.” Harvey emerged as a family name in the English county of Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Researchers have established that the first recording of the name Harvey was in Norfolk, whereby William the Conqueror granted Robert Fitz-Harvey lands for his distinguished assistance in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
This name is of Brittonic origin (Breton / Welsh) and derives from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel / mael,” meaning “bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured (chief, prince).” In the pre-Christian era, the meaning was “of a slave.” After the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, the name was changed as someone who is devoted (to God or a given saint). St. Mael was a hermit of Wales, sometimes called Mabel. He was a disciple of St. Cadfan, whom he accompanied from Brittany, France, Wales, and then to the island of Bardsey.
Alaina is a variant of Alana (female form of Alan). Alaina is also influenced by Elaine, Old French variant of Helen. It is of Breton and Greek origin and comes from the following roots (ALAN) and (HELENE).
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
This name derives from the Welsh name “Arthmael,” composed of two elements: Welsh and Proto-Brythonic “*arθ > arth” (bear) plus “máel” (prince). In turn, the name means “‘Bear-Prince, the prince of the bears.” Saint Armel was an early 6th-century holy man in Brittany. Armel is said to have been a Breton prince, born to the wife of King Hoel, while they were living in Glamorgan in Wales in the late 5th-century.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
This name derives from the Welsh name “Arthmael,” composed of two elements: Welsh and Proto-Brythonic “*arθ > arth” (bear) plus “máel” (prince). In turn, the name means “‘Bear-Prince, the prince of the bears.” Saint Armel was an early 6th-century holy man in Brittany. Armel is said to have been a Breton prince, born to the wife of King Hoel, while they were living in Glamorgan in Wales in the late 5th-century.
This name derives from the Breton “Malo,” composed of two elements: “mac’h” (pledge, hostage) plus “luh” (light). In turn, the name means “pledge of light.” 1) Saint-Malo (Breton: Sant-Maloù) is a walled port city in Brittany in northwestern France on the English Channel. It is a sub-prefecture of the Ille-et-Vilaine. 2) Saint-Malo was the mid-6th-century founder of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France. He is one of the seven founder saints of Brittany. 3) The church of San Macuto is a church on di San Macuto square in the Colonna rione of Rome, next to the Jesuit Collegio San Roberto Bellarmino in the Palazzo Gabrielli-Borromeo. It is the only church in Italy dedicated to the Breton saint Malo.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
This name derives from the Breton “Malo,” composed of two elements: “mac’h” (pledge, hostage) plus “luh” (light). In turn, the name means “pledge of light.” 1) Saint-Malo (Breton: Sant-Maloù) is a walled port city in Brittany in northwestern France on the English Channel. It is a sub-prefecture of the Ille-et-Vilaine. 2) Saint-Malo was the mid-6th-century founder of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France. He is one of the seven founder saints of Brittany. 3) The church of San Macuto is a church on di San Macuto square in the Colonna rione of Rome, next to the Jesuit Collegio San Roberto Bellarmino in the Palazzo Gabrielli-Borromeo. It is the only church in Italy dedicated to the Breton saint Malo.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
This name is of Brittonic origin (Breton / Welsh) and derives from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel / mael,” meaning “bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured (chief, prince).” In the pre-Christian era, the meaning was “of a slave.” After the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, the name was changed as someone who is devoted (to God or a given saint). St. Mael was a hermit of Wales, sometimes called Mabel. He was a disciple of St. Cadfan, whom he accompanied from Brittany, France, Wales, and then to the island of Bardsey.
This name derives from the Breton “Malo,” composed of two elements: “mac’h” (pledge, hostage) plus “luh” (light). In turn, the name means “pledge of light.” 1) Saint-Malo (Breton: Sant-Maloù) is a walled port city in Brittany in northwestern France on the English Channel. It is a sub-prefecture of the Ille-et-Vilaine. 2) Saint-Malo was the mid-6th-century founder of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France. He is one of the seven founder saints of Brittany. 3) The church of San Macuto is a church on di San Macuto square in the Colonna rione of Rome, next to the Jesuit Collegio San Roberto Bellarmino in the Palazzo Gabrielli-Borromeo. It is the only church in Italy dedicated to the Breton saint Malo.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
This name is of Brittonic origin (Breton / Welsh) and derives from the Old Irish and Proto-Celtic “máel / mael,” meaning “bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured (chief, prince).” In the pre-Christian era, the meaning was “of a slave.” After the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, the name was changed as someone who is devoted (to God or a given saint). St. Mael was a hermit of Wales, sometimes called Mabel. He was a disciple of St. Cadfan, whom he accompanied from Brittany, France, Wales, and then to the island of Bardsey.
This name derives from the Breton “Malo,” composed of two elements: “mac’h” (pledge, hostage) plus “luh” (light). In turn, the name means “pledge of light.” 1) Saint-Malo (Breton: Sant-Maloù) is a walled port city in Brittany in northwestern France on the English Channel. It is a sub-prefecture of the Ille-et-Vilaine. 2) Saint-Malo was the mid-6th-century founder of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France. He is one of the seven founder saints of Brittany. 3) The church of San Macuto is a church on di San Macuto square in the Colonna rione of Rome, next to the Jesuit Collegio San Roberto Bellarmino in the Palazzo Gabrielli-Borromeo. It is the only church in Italy dedicated to the Breton saint Malo.
This name derives from the Breton “Malo,” composed of two elements: “mac’h” (pledge, hostage) plus “luh” (light). In turn, the name means “pledge of light.” 1) Saint-Malo (Breton: Sant-Maloù) is a walled port city in Brittany in northwestern France on the English Channel. It is a sub-prefecture of the Ille-et-Vilaine. 2) Saint-Malo was the mid-6th-century founder of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France. He is one of the seven founder saints of Brittany. 3) The church of San Macuto is a church on di San Macuto square in the Colonna rione of Rome, next to the Jesuit Collegio San Roberto Bellarmino in the Palazzo Gabrielli-Borromeo. It is the only church in Italy dedicated to the Breton saint Malo.
This name derives from the Breton “Judoc” after Latinized “Iudocus,” composed of two elements: “iudd” (chief, lord) plus “oc” (diminutive suffix). In turn, the name means “little lord, young lord.” Between the end of the Middle Ages and the end of the 14th-century, it fell into disuse as a male name, barely surviving as a feminine. The name Joyce has resumed its success, perhaps also thanks to the medium English term “joise,” which means “rejoice,” which, however, comes from the Latin “iŏcōsus.” Saint Judoc, Saint Joyce, or otherwise known as Saint Josse (600–668 AD), was a 7th-century Breton noble. Though he was never officially canonized, Saint Judoc is considered to be a saint. Judoc was a son of Juthael, King of Brittany. He renounced his wealth and position to become a priest and lived alone for the rest of his lifetime in the coastal forest near the mouth of the River Cache. The feast day is traditionally celebrated on December 13.
Sir Degaré was the subject of a medieval poem set in Brittany. The tale of Sir Degaré survives in several manuscripts, including two in the British Library, one at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, and the famous Auchinleck MS of about 1330–1340, now lying in the National Library of Scotland; a book believed once to have been owned by Geoffrey Chaucer. The name was probably an Anglicized form of “Degaré” from the Middle French “égarer > égaré,” meaning “lost, missing, stray, astray, mislaid, misplaced.”
This name is of Irish and Breton origin, as well as a surname of Occitan origin. The name may derive from an Old Celtic word, meaning “noble, strong, and virtuous” or borrowing from the Proto-Brythonic “*brigonos,” meaning “high, noble.” The name is quite popular in Ireland, on account of Brian Boru (~941–1014), (Old Irish: Brian Bóruma Mac Cennétig, Modern Irish: Brian Bóroimhe), an Irish King who ended the domination of the high kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill. The name was also quite popular in East Anglia during the Middle Ages because Bretons introduced the name to England following the Norman Conquest. The Bretons also settled in Ireland with the Normans in the 12th-century, and the name was mixed with the “Irish” version. In Gothic mythology, and especially in Scotland, Brian was a pretentious man who helped Cailleach save Deò-ghrèine. He was the son of Tuireann and the brother of Iuchar and Iucharba.
There are numerous differing etymologies attributed to the name. The name was first introduced into England by Bretons, who took part in the Norman Invasion in the 11th-century. Alan is also an ancient Breton personal name (hence the modern English name Alan), as well as being a French Norman name. In Breton, Alan is a colloquial term for a fox and may originally have meant “deer,” making it cognate with Old Welsh Alan. There are numerous variations of the name in English. The variants Allan and Allen are generally considered to be derived from the surnames Allan and Allen. Alanus de Rupe was a Roman Catholic theologian noted for his views on prayer. Some writers claim him as a native of Germany, though Cornelius Sneek assures us that he was born in Brittany.
Breton names developed within the Breton language tradition. The naming traditions from regions where Breton is spoken have evolved over centuries, shaped by migration, trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Today's Breton names carry this history.
Breton naming traditions reflect the values and beliefs of regions where Breton is spoken. Names served multiple purposes: identifying individuals, honoring ancestors, expressing hopes for a child's future, and marking religious or cultural affiliation. These functions shaped which names became popular and how they were used.
Today, Breton names appear far beyond regions where Breton is spoken. Immigration, global media, and cultural exchange have made many Breton names familiar worldwide. Parents choose these names to honor heritage, appreciate their meanings, or simply because they like how they sound. The 291 names in this collection range from ancient choices still popular today to names that have fallen out of use but retain historical interest.
Breton naming traditions have developed their own patterns and preferences. Names may honor family members, reflect religious beliefs, describe hoped-for qualities, or commemorate significant events. These patterns explain which names stayed popular.
These traditional patterns still matter, but modern parents also mix things up. Some combine traditional and contemporary elements, pick names from other cultures, or create unique variations of classic names.
This collection breaks down to 60% masculine names (174) and 37% feminine names (109). About 3% (8) work as gender-neutral or unisex options.
Breton names follow the phonetic rules of their language of origin. English speakers may need to adjust their pronunciation for sounds that don't exist in English. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide to help.
When in doubt about pronunciation, listening to native speakers helps more than reading transliterations. Each name page has a pronunciation guide. If you're considering a Breton name for your child, say it out loud and think about how others in your community will pronounce it.
Our collection includes 291 Breton names. While some are common choices, others are rare finds that could give a child a distinctive name with authentic cultural roots.
Breton names for boys outnumber those for girls at roughly 1.6:1 in our database. This reflects historical naming patterns, though modern naming trends are shifting.
Current naming trends show renewed interest in heritage names, with parents seeking meaningful connections to cultural roots. Some Breton names have crossed over to mainstream use, while others remain specific to Breton-speaking communities.
Popular Breton names for boys include Alan, Bre, Jos, Mal, Gaël. Our database contains 174 Breton names traditionally given to boys, ranging from classic choices to unique options.
Our collection includes 109 Breton names for girls. Popular choices blend traditional sounds with meaningful origins. Use the feminine tab to explore options organized by popularity.
Breton names carry meanings from the Breton language tradition. Common themes in Breton names include noble, leader, divine, warrior. Each name in our database includes its specific meaning and cultural context.
Breton names follow the phonetic rules of their language. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide. When uncertain, listening to native speakers provides the most accurate reference.
This database contains 291 Breton names: 174 for boys and 109 for girls. This represents documented names that have been used historically or are in current use. The actual number of Breton names ever used is certainly higher.
Spelling difficulty depends on the specific name and your familiarity with Breton phonetics. Some Breton names have been adapted to English spelling conventions, making them straightforward. Others retain original spellings that may be unfamiliar. Consider how important easy spelling is to you when choosing a name.