All about the name

Llewellyn

Male

« Llewellyn, of Welsh origin, means "leader of friends" or "ally of chieftains". It's a historic name borne by prominent figures like Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last native Prince of Wales. Today, it remains relatively uncommon, adding to its uniqueness. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Llewellyn is a unique and distinctive Welsh name with a rich history and beautiful meaning. Derived from the Welsh elements "llwy" which means "leader" or "chieftain", and "elwyn" which translates to "friend" or "ally", Llewellyn means "leader of friends" or "ally of chieftains". The name has a strong connection to Welsh history, as it was borne by several prominent figures. One of the most notable is Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (1228-1282), also known as Llywelyn the Last, who was the final native Prince of Wales before the conquest by Edward I of England in 1283. Despite its historical roots, Llewellyn remains relatively uncommon today. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has never ranked among the top 1000 most popular boy names in the United States, making it a unique choice for parents looking for something different. In terms of pronunciation, Llewellyn is typically pronounced as "loo-EH-lin" with the stress on the second syllable. It can also be spelled in various ways, including Llewelyn, Llywelyn, and even Lewellyn. Overall, Llewellyn is a name with a strong connection to Welsh history and culture, a beautiful meaning, and a distinctive sound that makes it stand out from other names. Its rarity today makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for something unique and meaningful for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Llewellyn since 1880

Total births
3,385
Total since 1880
Peak year
1916
69 births
in 2023
10
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+57%
vs previous 5 years