Branwen is a rare and unique female given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the ancient Welsh language and has a rich history behind it.
The name Branwen is composed of two elements: "bran" which means "blossom" or "beautiful," and "gwen" which means "white" or "fair." Therefore, Branwen can be interpreted as meaning "beautiful and fair" or simply "blossoming white."
In Welsh mythology, Branwen is the name of a princess who features prominently in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, one of the Eleven Original Tales that form part of the Mabinogion. According to this legend, Branwen was the daughter of King Lludd and Queen Elfed of Britain. She married Matholwch, king of Ireland, but later became a pawn in a political dispute between her husband and brother. Despite her loyalty and bravery, she ultimately suffered greatly due to the betrayal of those close to her.
Throughout history, the name Branwen has been associated with Wales and its culture. It has also been used as inspiration for literary works and artistic creations. Today, it remains a lesser-known but distinctive choice for parents looking for a unique name for their daughter that honors Welsh heritage and mythology.
In terms of its popularity, Branwen is not one of the most common names in the English-speaking world. However, it has gained some recognition through its use in popular culture, such as appearing as a character's name in books, movies, and television shows set in Wales or featuring Welsh themes. Overall, Branwen is a beautiful and meaningful name with deep roots in Welsh history and mythology.
There was a notable spike in babies named Branwen being born in 1975 and again in 2015, with both years seeing 6 births. The name's popularity seemed to peak around the early 2000s, with consistent totals of 5 births between 2002 and 2011. In recent years, it has seen a slight decline, with only 5 births in 2019. Overall, there have been 42 babies named Branwen born over these years.