Cute Celtic Names
Celtic names have been all the rage recently for parents looking for fantasy-tinged names with rich history and unique sounds. However, as popular as Scottish, Irish, and even Welsh names are nowadays, Cornish names are surprisingly scarce across the pond. England's westernmost county is rich in history and unique culture.
1. Austell
As we will see, many popular Cornish names come from saints, such as St. Austell. Also spelled Austol, this is the name of a china clay mining town in central Cornwall. Austell could be a cool alternative to the ever-popular Austin.
2. Demelza
Fans of the BBC series Poldark will recognize this name from the series' strong-willed heroine. Despite being used in historical fiction, Demelza is a modern Cornish name, originating in the 1950s. This beguiling name means "fort on a hill".
3. Denzel
A name that surely needs no introduction, Denzel means "high stronghold" or "fertile ground". Denzel is also used as a surname and place name in Cornwall. This name will surely inspire strength in any baby.
4. Elowen
Also spelled Elowyn, this lovely name was introduced as part of the Cornish language revival of the 20th century. Elowen means "elm tree" and is traditionally pronounced with the stress on the second syllable. this name will fit right in with Elodie and Eloise.
5. Jennifer
That's right, one of the most popular names of the 1980s is Cornish! Not only is Jennifer the most popular Cornish name by a long margin, but it also has an impressive pedigree. Jennifer is a variation of Guinevere—yes, that Guinevere—meaning "white wave".
6. Jory
Jory is a great name for a baby who won't be afraid to get his hands dirty. Jory is a variation of George, which means "farmer". Jory is similar to uber-popular name Rory while also providing a less stodgy alternative to George.
7. Kea
Another saint's name—we told you you'd be seeing a lot!—Kea is said to have met the legendary King Arthur. Given that Kea and Arthur's legendary timelines overlap around the 6th century, it isn't too far-fetched to believe Kea may have met an Arthur-like figure. Pronounced "key", Kea means "cheerful".
8. Kensa
As we said, the Cornish language underwent a revival in the 20th century after the language went extinct. As part of this revival, many parents have created Cornish names for their children as a means of maintaining their identity. Kensa, meaning "first" is one such modern Cornish name.
9. Kitto
Not to be confused with the term of endearment "kiddo", Kitto is an adorable nickname for Christopher. This name would be a great way to honor a family member with a more trendy sound, allowing your child to grow into the longer name Christopher. Kitto means "anointed one".
10. Locryn
Locryn is another name that sounds extremely modern but actually dates back to the early middle ages. This name is derived from Locrinus, one of the legendary kings of the Britons. Though his wife, Gwendolen, Locryn was related to the very first king of Cornwall!
11. Loveday
How cute is this name? In the Middle Ages, a Love Day was a day where enemies would try to resolve their differences amicably. While more commonly used as a surname, we think that Loveday would be absolutely adorable as a surname-turned-first-name.
12. Morwenna
We'd forgive you if you thought this name was related to Morgan. Though Morwenna sounds similar to the sinister sorceress of Arthurian legend, this is actually another saint's name. Morwenna means "white sea" which is fitting for the choppy waters surrounding Cornwall.
13. Merryn
With the -yn sound that's so trendy in names like Evelyn and Brynn, Merryn is a saintly name so trendy it's hard to believe it's ancient! The name of a village in north Cornwall, the meaning behind this name appears to have been lost to time. However, the word "merry" is as good an omen as any!
14. Pascoe
One of the most popular Cornish names, Pascoe is a medieval name meaning "Easter". Medieval-inspired names fitting the "knightcore" trend are extremely popular now, and we think that Pascoe would fit right in. This name is especially fitting for a baby expected in the spring.
15. Piran
We've talked a fair bit about saintly names, but St. Piran is the patron saint of Cornwall. Technically, this 5th-century abbot's patronage covers tin-miners, but in Cornwall, where tin mining is a major industry, the two are one in the name. St. Piran's flag, a white cross on a black background, is a symbol of Cornwall.
16. Ruan
Yet another name pulling double duty as both a saint and place name. The etymology of Ruan is a little hazy, but our best bet is that it derives from "Roman", as in Roman settlements in Cornwall. Ruan is pronounced with two syllables and would be a cute alternative to Rowan or Rory.
17. Tamsin
Tamsin is a cute contraction of the much more unwieldy name Thomasina. Being a variation on Thomas, this name means "twin". Not to toot our own horn, but if you happen to be expecting twins, several other names on this list would go great with Tamsin.
18. Tegen
Doctor Who fans will be familiar with the more common Welsh spelling of this lovely name. Another modern Cornish name, this name means "pretty ornament" and has a cool unisex sound to it. The first syllable is stressed, and rhymes with "beg".
19. Tristan
Memorialized in operas, epics, and art, Tristan's doomed and adulterous love for the lady Ysella is one of the most enduring myths in the Arthurian canon. The nephew of the king of Cornwall, Tristan accidentally consumes a love potion, falling for his uncle's intended. Tristan means "clanking swords of iron".
20. Ysella
The other half of one of literature's most famous doomed couples, Tristan's lady loves goes by many names. More commonly known as Isolde or Iseult, this Irish princess is known as Ysella in Cornish. Ysella means "ice ruler".
