Skip to content

Alys vs Enid

Alys is a Welsh girl's name meaning The traditional Welsh spelling of Alice, representing a person of noble and kind character, while Enid is a Welsh girl's name meaning An ancient name from Arthurian romance that represents the soul, life, or spirit. Both have 2 syllables.

Alys

/AL-iss/

Meaning
The traditional Welsh spelling of Alice, representing a person of noble and kind character.
Origin
Welsh
Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Letters
4
Nicknames
Alice, Alis, Alysse, Ali, Allys, Alisun
Loved
0 times

Alys is the Middle Welsh form of Alice, derived from the Old French name Alis, which stems from the Germanic Adalheidis. It signifies 'noble type' or 'of noble birth,' evolving through linguistic shifts from the elements 'adal' (noble) and 'heid' (kind or sort).

Full Alys name page

Enid

/EE-nid/

Meaning
An ancient name from Arthurian romance that represents the soul, life, or spirit.
Origin
Welsh
Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Letters
4
Nicknames
Enide, Enide, Eneid, Enidita
Loved
0 times

Enid is derived from the Middle Welsh word 'enaid', which translates to 'soul', 'life', or 'spirit'. It gained historical prominence through the character of Enid in Arthurian legend, specifically in the tale of Geraint and Enid, where she is portrayed as a symbol of patience, fidelity, and purity.

Full Enid name page

How to choose between Alys and Enid

  • Sound: Alys runs to 2 syllables (/AL-iss/) and Enid to 2 (/EE-nid/). Either pairs comfortably with most surnames.
  • Heritage: Both names share a Welsh background, so neither leans further from your family's roots.
  • Nicknames: Alys shortens to Alice, Alis, Alysse. Enid shortens to Enide, Enide, Eneid.
  • Usage today: The name remains a perennially popular choice in Wales, often favored by parents seeking a traditional Welsh orthography for a classic European name. It is frequently used to maintain a distinct Celtic identity within modern naming conventions. While once a popular choice in the early 20th century, Enid is currently considered a vintage name that is seeing a modest revival in English-speaking countries. It remains a distinctively Welsh name often chosen for its literary and historical connections.

Alys vs Enid: common questions

Is Alys or Enid easier to pronounce?
Alys is said /AL-iss/ with 2 syllables, while Enid is said /EE-nid/ with 2 syllables. The shorter one is usually easier for young children to say.
What is the difference in meaning between Alys and Enid?
Alys means The traditional Welsh spelling of Alice, representing a person of noble and kind character. Enid means An ancient name from Arthurian romance that represents the soul, life, or spirit.
Which is more popular, Alys or Enid?
Alys and Enid are loved equally often by visitors here (0 each).