Enid vs Rhiannon
Enid is a Welsh girl's name meaning An ancient name from Arthurian romance that represents the soul, life, or spirit, while Rhiannon is a Welsh girl's name meaning Specifically meaning great queen, this name is deeply rooted in Welsh mythology and legend. Enid is the shorter of the two at 2 syllables.
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 pageRhiannon
/ree-AN-non/
- Meaning
- Specifically meaning great queen, this name is deeply rooted in Welsh mythology and legend.
- Origin
- Welsh
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Letters
- 8
- Nicknames
- Rhianon, Riannon, Rhian, Rhi, Ree, Rhianna
- Loved
- 0 times
Rhiannon is derived from the Old Celtic name Rigantona, composed of the elements 'rigan' meaning queen and the augmentative suffix '-on'. In the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales, she is a prominent figure associated with horses and sovereignty who possesses birds that can wake the dead and lull the living to sleep.
Full Rhiannon name pageHow to choose between Enid and Rhiannon
- Sound: Enid runs to 2 syllables (/EE-nid/) and Rhiannon to 3 (/ree-AN-non/). Enid pairs more easily with a longer surname.
- Heritage: Both names share a Welsh background, so neither leans further from your family's roots.
- Nicknames: Enid shortens to Enide, Enide, Eneid. Rhiannon shortens to Rhianon, Riannon, Rhian.
- Usage today: 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. While historically Welsh, the name gained international popularity in the late 20th century across English-speaking countries, particularly after the release of the 1975 Fleetwood Mac song of the same name. It remains a classic choice in Wales and is occasionally used in neo-pagan communities due to its mythological roots.
Enid vs Rhiannon: common questions
- Is Enid or Rhiannon easier to pronounce?
- Enid is said /EE-nid/ with 2 syllables, while Rhiannon is said /ree-AN-non/ with 3 syllables. The shorter one is usually easier for young children to say.
- What is the difference in meaning between Enid and Rhiannon?
- Enid means An ancient name from Arthurian romance that represents the soul, life, or spirit. Rhiannon means Specifically meaning great queen, this name is deeply rooted in Welsh mythology and legend.
- Which is more popular, Enid or Rhiannon?
- Enid and Rhiannon are loved equally often by visitors here (0 each).