Skip to content

Gwenno vs Olwen

Gwenno is a Welsh girl's name meaning A sweet, traditional name meaning fair or blessed, often associated with the planet Venus in Welsh, while Olwen is a Welsh girl's name meaning A mythological name meaning white footprint, belonging to a princess so gentle that flowers grew wherever she stepped. Both have 2 syllables.

Gwenno

/GWEN-oh/

Meaning
A sweet, traditional name meaning fair or blessed, often associated with the planet Venus in Welsh.
Origin
Welsh
Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Letters
6
Nicknames
Gwen, Gwenna, Gwenny, Gwennan
Loved
0 times

Gwenno is a Welsh diminutive of Gwen, derived from the feminine form of 'gwyn' meaning white, fair, or blessed. In Welsh astronomy, Gwenno is the traditional name for the planet Venus, the Evening Star.

Full Gwenno name page

Olwen

/OL-wen/

Meaning
A mythological name meaning white footprint, belonging to a princess so gentle that flowers grew wherever she stepped.
Origin
Welsh
Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Letters
5
Nicknames
Olwyn, Olwenne, Olwin, Olwenn
Loved
0 times

Olwen is a Welsh name derived from the elements 'ol' meaning track or footprint and 'gwen' meaning white, fair, or blessed. In the Mabinogion, she is a princess who is so delicate and pure that white trefoils spring up in the wake of her footsteps.

Full Olwen name page

How to choose between Gwenno and Olwen

  • Sound: Gwenno runs to 2 syllables (/GWEN-oh/) and Olwen to 2 (/OL-wen/). Either pairs comfortably with most surnames.
  • Heritage: Both names share a Welsh background, so neither leans further from your family's roots.
  • Nicknames: Gwenno shortens to Gwen, Gwenna, Gwenny. Olwen shortens to Olwyn, Olwenne, Olwin.
  • Usage today: It is a popular choice in Welsh-speaking communities in Wales and Patagonia, often viewed as a more melodic, contemporary alternative to Gwen or Gwenllian. While deeply rooted in Welsh folklore, the name remains a classic choice in Wales and is occasionally used in other English-speaking countries seeking a vintage, ethereal quality.

Gwenno vs Olwen: common questions

Is Gwenno or Olwen easier to pronounce?
Gwenno is said /GWEN-oh/ with 2 syllables, while Olwen is said /OL-wen/ with 2 syllables. The shorter one is usually easier for young children to say.
What is the difference in meaning between Gwenno and Olwen?
Gwenno means A sweet, traditional name meaning fair or blessed, often associated with the planet Venus in Welsh. Olwen means A mythological name meaning white footprint, belonging to a princess so gentle that flowers grew wherever she stepped.
Which is more popular, Gwenno or Olwen?
Gwenno and Olwen are loved equally often by visitors here (0 each).