"leader, ruler"
Origin: Welsh llyw
Language: Welsh
Llewelyn
Pronunciation: [ l-OO-ihl-ihn ]
Does Llewelyn flow with your last name?
The proud name of Wales most celebrated warrior princes
Welsh
British
Royal
Traditional
Strong
Literary
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"lion-like"
Origin: Old Welsh
Language: Welsh
Browse names with similar meanings:
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Things to Know About This Name
- The double-L pronunciation (Welsh Ll sound) is unfamiliar to non-Welsh speakers and frequently mispronounced outside Wales
The Story of Llewelyn
Llewelyn is a venerable Welsh name likely derived from the Old Welsh words llyw (leader, ruler) combined with eilun (image, likeness), or possibly from a root meaning lion-like. It has been borne by two of the most celebrated princes of medieval Wales, making it a name deeply woven into Welsh national identity and pride.
Llewelyn remains a beloved choice among Welsh families and those with Welsh heritage. Outside Wales, it is rare but chosen for its distinctive character and historical gravitas. The difficult double-L pronunciation presents a genuine barrier to adoption in non-Welsh-speaking countries.
Llewelyn ap Gruffudd (Llewelyn the Last) was the last native Prince of Wales before English conquest in 1282. This name carries enormous weight in Welsh culture as a symbol of national pride and resistance to subjugation.
Historical Record
Llewelyn first appeared in US Social Security records in 1953.
Over 127 babies have been named Llewelyn in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Llewelyn is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4,551 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Llewelyn the Great (1173-1240) united most of Wales under his rule
- The Welsh Ll is a unique voiceless lateral fricative consonant with no English equivalent
Llewelyn in Other Languages
Latin
Leolinus
Welsh
Llywelyn
English
Llewelyn
Popularity Over Time
#4,551
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Llewelyn
L
Llywelyn ap Gruffudd
Military
1223
Last native Prince of Wales, known as Llewelyn the Last, who died resisting English conquest in 1282
L
Llywelyn the Great
Royalty
1173
Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, the most powerful Welsh ruler of the Middle Ages who united much of Wales
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Compare Llewelyn with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #4,551
- Total SSA Count
- 23
- Cultural Origins
- Welsh British
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Llew
Lew
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Welsh heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Welsh heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Llewelyn
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Llewelyn is also used as a girl name, ranked #41621.
View Llewelyn as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Llewelyn
What does the name Llewelyn mean?
"leader, ruler" (from Welsh llyw). "lion-like" (from Old Welsh). Llewelyn is a venerable Welsh name likely derived from the Old Welsh words llyw (leader, ruler) combined with eilun (image, likeness), or possibly from a root meaning lion-like. It has been borne by two of the most celebrated princes of medieval Wales, making it a name deeply woven into Welsh national identity and pride.
What is the origin of the name Llewelyn?
Llewelyn has Welsh llyw, Old Welsh, Welsh, and British origins. In Welsh llyw, it means "leader, ruler". In Old Welsh, it means "lion-like".
Is Llewelyn a boy or girl name?
Llewelyn is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4551. As a girl name, it is ranked #41621. Llewelyn is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Llewelyn?
Llewelyn is pronounced l-OO-ihl-ihn.
How popular is the name Llewelyn?
Llewelyn is currently ranked #4551 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Llewelyn?
Common nicknames for Llewelyn include Llew and Lew.
What are good middle names for Llewelyn?
Popular middle name pairings include Llewelyn Rhys, Llewelyn Owen, Llewelyn James, Llewelyn Gareth, Llewelyn Tudor, and Llewelyn Evan.
What are good sibling names for Llewelyn?
Names that pair well with Llewelyn as siblings include Rhiannon, Gwyneth, Rhodri, Cerys, Emrys, and Seren.
How many syllables does Llewelyn have?
Llewelyn has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Llewelyn a common or rare name?
Llewelyn is an uncommon name, ranked #4551 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Llewelyn?
Are there other spellings for Llewelyn?
Related spellings include Llewyn.
About the Name Llewelyn
Llewelyn is a boy name with Welsh and British origins . The name means "leader, ruler" in Welsh llyw .
Is Llewelyn a boy or girl name? Llewelyn is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4,551 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #41,621. Llewelyn is more commonly used as a boy name.
Llewelyn is currently ranked #4,551 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Llewelyn has 3 syllables and is pronounced l-OO-ihl-ihn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Llewelyn include Llew and Lew. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Llewelyn include Llewyn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis