Anwen

/AN-wen/

WelshGirl

Anwen is a Welsh girl's name pronounced /AN-wen/. A classic name meaning very fair, beautiful, and blessed.

Meaning of Anwen

A classic name meaning very fair, beautiful, and blessed.

Anwen is a Welsh female name derived from the elements 'an-', an intensifying prefix, and 'gwen', the feminine form of 'gwyn' meaning white, fair, or blessed. Historically, it reflects the Celtic association between physical fairness and spiritual purity.

Origin
Welsh
Pronunciation
/AN-wen/

Cultural background

The name remains a staple in Wales and among the Welsh diaspora, valued for its traditional roots and melodic sound. It is frequently chosen for its classic, non-Anglicized Welsh character.

Variations & nicknames

  • Anwynn
  • Anwenn
  • Anwenna
  • Annwen
  • An
  • Winnie

Famous people named Anwen

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Anwen Keeling

    Australian painter known for her figurative works.

    Art · 1990s-present

  • Anwen, daughter of Elrond

    A character featured in the tabletop gaming lore of Middle-earth (MERP).

    Literature/Gaming · 20th Century

  • Lady Anwen Hurt

    British producer and widow of actor Sir John Hurt.

    Film · 2000s-present

  • Anwen Muston

    British politician and local councillor in Wolverhampton.

    Politics · 2010s-present

Frequently asked about Anwen

What does Anwen mean?
Anwen means 'very fair', 'beautiful', or 'blessed' in Welsh, combining the intensifying prefix 'an-' with 'gwen'.
How do you pronounce Anwen?
It is pronounced AN-wen, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
Is Anwen a boy or girl name?
Anwen is a girl's name; the '-wen' suffix is the feminine form of the Welsh word for fair.
Is Anwen a common name?
While common in Wales, it is considered a unique and rare choice in the United States and other English-speaking countries.

Love Anwen? Get more names like it

We'll email you 5 fresh Welsh names each week — free, no spam.

Compare Anwen with…

Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.

More Welsh names

See all Welsh names