Blodwen is a rare and unique Welsh female given name with a fascinating history and meaning. Its origin can be traced back to the Welsh language, where it is composed of two elements: "blod" which means "flower," and "gwyn" which means "white" or "fair." Therefore, Blodwen translates to "white flower."
The name Blodwen first appeared in the 12th-century poem "Yr Afallennau" by the Welsh poet Gutun Owain. In this poem, Blodwen is a beautiful and enchanting fairy who lives in a garden filled with white flowers. She becomes infatuated with a mortal man named Cian and tries to win his heart through her magical powers.
Blodwen's association with white flowers and beauty has made it a popular choice among parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughters. However, its usage remains relatively rare compared to other Welsh names like Gwen or Ceridwen.
Today, people named Blodwen can be found primarily in Wales but also in other parts of the world where Welsh culture has had an influence. Despite its rarity, Blodwen continues to evoke images of enchantment and beauty, thanks to its origins in medieval Welsh literature.
"Over a span of 27 years (1898-1925), the name Blodwen was given to newborn girls on six occasions, with peak popularity occurring around the early 20th century."