Welsh Horse Names and Meanings

Welsh horse names have a distinctive combination of poetry, history, and heritage, taken from the old language, stunning landscapes, and long-established mythology of Wales. Welsh breeds such as the Welsh Mountain Pony, Welsh Pony, Welsh Cob, and the Pony of Cob Type are particularly suited to these types of names, all having characteristics of elegance, power, and amiability. All four varieties are registered in the Welsh Pony and Cob Society and are prized globally for their intelligence and traditional British appeal.

In Welsh mythology, horses are hallowed symbols of power and nobility. Legendary characters such as Rhiannon, the horse goddess, have been inspiring names for centuries that capture strength, grace, and enigma. Welsh names tend to have poetic sounds and strong associations with nature—rivers, mountains, flowers, and weather—so it is a natural combination for horses that possess fiery or regal demeanors.

Whether you are naming a proud cob, a delicate mountain pony, or any horse worthy of a name full of culture and beauty, this list provides poetic and significant Welsh name suggestions.

Strong & Noble Welsh Horse Names

Name	Meaning
Brenin	King
Marchog	Knight
Tywysog	Prince
Dewi	Beloved (also Wales’ patron saint)
Cadfan	Battle summit
Gronw	Force or strength
Llewelyn	Lion-like
Taran	Thunder
Emrys	Immortal (Welsh form of Ambrosius)
Cynan	Leader, chief

Elegant & Feminine Welsh Names

Name	Meaning
Eira	Snow
Seren	Star
Cariad	Love, darling
Rhiannon	Divine queen from mythology
Anwen	Very beautiful
Arianwen	Silver white
Blodwen	White flower
Meleri	Gentle
Bronwen	Pure, white breast
Nia	Bright, radiant

Nature-Inspired Welsh Horse Names

Name	Meaning
Awel	Breeze
Coedwig	Forest
Llyn	Lake
Tegid	Fair or clear (also a lake name)
Maen	Stone
Gwynt	Wind
Haf	Summer
Dyffryn	Valley
Glaw	Rain
Tirion	Gentle or kind

Mythology & Folklore-Inspired

Name	Meaning/Reference
Rhiannon	Goddess/queen associated with horses
Pryderi	Son of Rhiannon, prince in the Mabinogion
Arawn	Lord of the Otherworld
Bran	Mythical giant and hero
Gwydion	Magician and trickster god
Llwyd	Enchanter from folklore
Annwn	The Otherworld
Hengroen	King Arthur’s horse
Morfran	Sea crow / warrior son of Ceridwen
Dôn	Mother goddess in Welsh myth

Short & Catchy Welsh Words for Horses

Name	Meaning
Teg	Fair or beautiful
Mab	Son or boy
Lliw	Color
Lân	Pure
Bach	Small / little one
Drud	Precious
Pen	Head or leader
Celyn	Holly
Iâ	Ice
Nef	Heaven

Male Welsh Horse Names

Name	Meaning (Welsh)
Aeron	Berry or battle
Bran	Raven
Cynan	Chief or leader
Dafydd	Beloved (Welsh form of David)
Gethin	Dark-skinned or swarthy
Llewelyn	Lion-like
Owain	Young warrior
Rhydian	Red or ruddy
Taran	Thunder
Trystan	Bold or tumult (from Tristan)

Female Welsh Horse Names

Name	Meaning (Welsh)
Arianwen	Silver-blessed
Bethan	God is my oath
Cariad	Love, darling
Eira	Snow
Ffion	Foxglove flower
Lowri	Beloved or gentle
Mared	Pearl
Nia	Bright or radiant
Seren	Star
Tegan	Toy or darling

Nature-Inspired Welsh Horse Names

Name	Meaning (Welsh)
Awen	Inspiration, poetic spirit
Blodyn	Flower
Celyn	Holly
Derwen	Oak
Gwyn	White, fair, blessed
Llyn	Lake
Mynydd	Mountain
Rhosyn	Rose
Tirion	Gentle, kind
Ysbryd	Spirit

Mythology & Legend-Inspired Names

Name	Reference
Rhiannon	Goddess of horses & fertility
Prydain	Ancient name for Britain
Gwydion	Magician & trickster god
Branwen	Beautiful princess, symbol of sorrow
Arawn	Ruler of the Otherworld
Taliesin	Mythic poet and bard
Mabon	Youthful Celtic god
Eluned	Magical maiden with invisibility ring
Dôn	Mother goddess in Welsh lore
Twrch	Wild boar in Arthurian legend

Traditional Welsh Male Horse Names

Classic Names:

1. Gwyn – “White” or “Blessed” – for white or light-colored horses
2. Llyr – “Sea” – powerful and flowing like the ocean
3. Cadoc – “Battle” – strong warrior horse
4. Emrys – “Immortal” – legendary and enduring
5. Gethin – “Dark” or “Dusky” – for dark-colored horses
6. Hefin – “Summer” – warm and bright
7. Idris – “Ardent Lord” – noble and passionate
8. Macsen – “Greatest” – for exceptional horses
9. Owain – “Noble Warrior” – brave and aristocratic
10. Pryderi – “Care” or “Worry” – from Welsh mythology

Nature-Inspired:

1. Bryn – “Hill” – steady and elevated
2. Coed – “Forest” – wild and natural
3. Gwynt – “Wind” – swift and free
4. Nant – “Stream” – flowing and graceful
5. Taran – “Thunder” – powerful and dramatic

Traditional Welsh Female Horse Names

Beautiful and Graceful:

1. Branwen – “Beautiful Raven” – dark beauty from Welsh legend
2. Cerys – “Love” – affectionate and cherished
3. Eira – “Snow” – pure white and pristine
4. Ffion – “Foxglove” – delicate flower name
5. Glenys – “Holy” or “Pure” – sacred and clean
6. Meinir – “Maiden” – young and graceful
7. Nerys – “Lady” – elegant and refined
8. Olwen – “White Footprint” – mythological beauty
9. Rhiannon – “Great Queen” – legendary horse goddess
10. Seren – “Star” – bright and guiding

Welsh Goddesses and Legends:

1. Arianrhod – “Silver Wheel” – moon goddess
2. Blodeuwedd – “Flower Face” – made from flowers in legend
3. Bronwen – “White Raven” or “Fair Breast”
4. Morwenna – “Waves of the Sea” – oceanic beauty

Color-Based Welsh Names

Light Colors:

1. Gwynfor – “White Land” (male)
2. Gwenlliant – “White Flood” (female)
3. Llinos – “Linnet” (a pale bird) (female)
4. Gwylan – “Seagull” – white seabird (unisex)

Dark Colors:

1. Ddu – “Black” (unisex)
2. Duran – “Dark” (male)
3. Morwena – “Dark Sea” (female)
4. Tywyll – “Dark” (unisex)

Geographic and Natural Features

1. Bala – “Outlet of a lake” – calm and steady
2. Betws – “Prayer house” – peaceful and serene
3. Cwm – “Valley” – sheltered and protected
4. Dyffryn – “Valley” – low and sheltered
5. Eryri – “Snowdonia” – majestic and mountainous
6. Hafod – “Summer dwelling” – seasonal and temporary
7. Llanfair – “Place of Mary” – blessed location
8. Pwllheli – “Salt water pool” – coastal connection

Names from Welsh Virtues

Strength and Courage:

1. Cadarn – “Strong” (male)
2. Dewi – “Beloved” – patron saint of Wales (male)
3. Gareth – “Gentle” (male)
4. Hywel – “Eminent” (male)
5. Tegwen – “Beautiful and Blessed” (female)

Wisdom and Beauty:

1. Ceredig – “Beloved” (male)
2. Dilys – “Genuine” or “True” (female)
3. Enfys – “Rainbow” – colorful and hopeful (female)
4. Marged – Welsh form of Margaret, “Pearl” (female)

Mythological and Historical Names

From Welsh Legends:

1. Pwyll – Prince of Dyfed in Welsh mythology (male)
2. Manawydan – Sea god in Welsh mythology (male)
3. Cigfa – Legendary Welsh woman (female)
4. Epona – Celtic horse goddess (female)

Historical Welsh Names:

1. Llywelyn – “Lion-like” – famous Welsh princes (male)
2. Gruffydd – “Strong Lord” – royal name (male)
3. Gwenllian – “White Linen” – Welsh princess (female)
4. Angharad – “Much Loved” – historical name (female)

Pronunciation Guide for Common Names

1. Gwyn – “Goo-in”
2. Llyr – “Leer”
3. Rhiannon – “Ree-AH-non”
4. Cerys – “KEH-ris”
5. Eira – “EYE-ra”
6. Seren – “SEH-ren”
7. Owain – “OH-wine”
8. Ffion – “FEE-on”

Strong & Noble Welsh Horse Names

1. Arian – “Silver” (Perfect for a gray or white horse)
2. Bran – “Raven” (Great for a dark-coated horse)
3. Cadfael – “Battle Prince” (Strong & regal)
4. Dewi – “Beloved” (A classic Welsh name)
5. Eira – “Snow” (Ideal for a white horse)
6. Ffion – “Foxglove” (A floral touch)
7. Gareth – “Gentle” (For a calm horse)
8. Huw – “Fire” (Fiery spirit)
9. Llew – “Lion” (Brave & powerful)
10. Madoc – “Fortunate” (A lucky horse)

Mythical & Legendary Welsh Horse Names

1. Rhiannon – Celtic goddess of horses (A mystical mare)
2. Pryderi – Mythical prince linked to horses
3. Arawn – King of the Otherworld (from the Mabinogi)
4. Blodeuwedd – “Flower-faced” (mythical woman made of flowers)
5. Taliesin – Legendary bard (for a wise horse)
6. Ceridwen – Enchantress goddess (magical presence)
7. Gwyn ap Nudd – King of the Fairies (mystical & noble)
8. Myrddin – Original Welsh name for Merlin (wise & magical)
9. Efnysien – Trickster figure (for a mischievous horse)
10. Branwen – “Blessed raven” (elegant & noble)

Nature-Inspired Welsh Horse Names

1. Afon – “River” (Graceful & flowing)
2. Bryn – “Hill” (Strong & steady)
3. Celyn – “Holly” (Resilient & bold)
4. Deryn – “Bird” (Light & free-spirited)
5. Glaw – “Rain” (Refreshing & lively)
6. Haf – “Summer” (Bright & cheerful)
7. Môr – “Sea” (Powerful & untamed)
8. Seren – “Star” (Shining & beautiful)
9. Tân – “Fire” (Fiery & spirited)
10. Ynysoedd – “Islands” (Unique & strong)

Cute & Gentle Welsh Horse Names

1. Cariad – “Love” (Sweet & affectionate)
2. Del – “Pretty” (Elegant mare)
3. Enfys – “Rainbow” (Colorful & joyful)
4. Heulwen – “Sunshine” (Bright & warm)
5. Meli – “Honey” (Sweet-natured horse)

Names Reflecting Nature & Landscape

1. Afon (Аvon): “River.” For a horse with a flowing, smooth movement or a calm nature.
2. Bryn (Брин): “Hill.” Ideal for a sturdy, reliable, or grounded horse.
3. Cwm (Кум): “Valley.” Suggests a gentle and nurturing spirit.
4. Eira (Эйра): “Snow.” Perfect for a white or light-colored horse.
5. Glas (Глас): “Blue” or “green.” For a horse with blue eyes, or one that reminds you of green landscapes.
6. Llyn (Ллин): “Lake.” For a tranquil and deep-spirited horse.
7. Mor (Мор): “Sea.” For a strong, fluid-moving horse.
8. Nant (Нант): “Brook” or “ravine.” For a horse with a steady, natural gait.
9. Talfryn (Талфрин): “High hill.” For a horse with a commanding presence.
10. Ynys (Инис): “Island.” For a unique or secluded beauty.

Names Emphasizing Strength, Bravery & Heroism

1. Aeron (Аэрон): “Battle” or “slaughter.” Ideal for a strong, powerful, or competitive horse.
2. Arthfael (Артфэл): “Bear prince.” For a strong and regal stallion.
3. Bedwyr (Бедвир): A Knight of the Round Table; symbolizes loyalty and bravery.
4. Bleddyn (Бледдин): “Wolf.” Represents strength, fierceness, and cunning.
5. Cadell (Каделл): “Battle.” Perfect for a powerful and brave horse.
6. Cadeyrn (Кадейрн): “Great lord.” For a majestic and commanding horse.
7. Carwyn (Карвин): “Fair love” or “blessed love,” but also carries a sense of strength.
8. Gryffudd / Gruffydd (Грифид / Груфид): “Strong lord” or “strong grip.” For a commanding and powerful stallion.
9. Lleu (Ллеу): From Welsh mythology, a hero associated with light and skill.
10. Maelgwyn (Мэлгвин): “Prince.” Perfect for a noble and regal horse.
11. Macsen (Максен): Welsh form of “Maximus,” meaning “greatest.” Ideal for a majestic horse.
12. Trystan (Тристан): “Tumult” or “noise.” For a strong and spirited horse, famous from Arthurian legend.
13. Urien (Уриен): “Privileged.” Ideal for a horse with a regal and noble bearing.
14. Gethin (Гэтин): “Dark-skinned” or “dusky.” Fitting for a powerful, dark-coated horse.

Names Expressing Beauty, Grace & Nobility

1. Aderyn (Адерин): “Bird.” Suitable for a graceful, light, and free-spirited horse.
2. Anwen (Анвен): “Very beautiful.” Perfect for a striking and elegant mare.
3. Arwen (Арвен): “Noble maiden.” Fitting for a regal and elegant mare.
4. Blodwen (Блодвен): “White flower.” Suitable for a gentle and graceful mare.
5. Carys / Cerys (Карис / Керис): “Love.” A beautiful name for a beloved and affectionate horse.
6. Elin (Элин): Welsh form of “Helen,” meaning “bright” or “shining light.”
7. Gwen (Гвен): “White,” “fair,” or “blessed.” A very popular and versatile name.
8. Gwenllian (Гвенллиан): After a Welsh princess, symbolizing nobility and bravery.
9. Glynis (Глинис): “Pure, clean.” Suitable for a noble and elegant horse.
10. Hafwen (Хафвен): “Fair summer.” Ideal for a warm and vibrant horse.
11. Lleucu (Ллейку): “Light” or “bright.” Suitable for a radiant and lively horse.
12. Llinos (Ллинос): “Linnet” (a small songbird). Ideal for a delicate and agile horse.
13. Mali (Мали): Welsh form of “Molly,” meaning “wished-for child.” Ideal for a beloved mare.
14. Rhiannon (Рианнон): Welsh horse goddess. A strong and elegant name for a mare.
15. Tegid (Тегид): “Fair” or “beautiful.” Suitable for a lovely and graceful horse.

Charming & Classic Welsh Names

1. Cadi (Кади): Diminutive of “Catherine,” meaning “pure.” Perfect for a gentle mare.
2. Cariad (Кариад): “Love” or “darling.” Ideal for a beloved and gentle horse.
3. Dylan (Дилан): “Son of the sea.” For a horse with a strong and fluid gait.
4. Ianto (Ианто): Diminutive of “Ieuan,” meaning “God is gracious.” Ideal for a blessed horse.
5. Iestyn (Иестин): “Righteous” or “just.” Perfect for a noble and steadfast horse.
6. Mabon (Мабон): From Welsh mythology, meaning “divine son.” Ideal for a spirited young horse.
7. Madog (Мадог): “Beneficent.” Suitable for a kind and gentle horse.
8. Morgan (Морган): “Sea-born.” Ideal for a strong, fluid-moving horse.
9. Rhys (Рис): “Ardor” or “rush.” A popular and strong Welsh name.

Top Welsh Horse Breeds

Here are the Top Welsh Horse Breeds, known for their beauty, strength, versatility, and gentle temperament. These breeds originate from Wales and are all part of the Welsh Pony and Cob family, categorized into distinct sections based on size and type.

1. Welsh Mountain Pony

• Height: Up to 12 hands (48 inches / 122 cm)
• Traits: Smallest of the Welsh types, intelligent, hardy, with a refined head
• Use: Ideal for children’s riding ponies, showing, driving
• Fun Fact: Despite their small size, they are bold and incredibly resilient.

2. Welsh Pony

• Height: Up to 13.2 hands (54 inches / 137 cm)
• Traits: Slightly taller and more refined than Section A, with elegance and athleticism
• Use: Excellent for older children and small adults, often used in show rings and pony sports
• Fun Fact: Popular in competitive English disciplines due to their good movement.

3. Welsh Pony of Cob Type

• Height: Up to 13.2 hands
• Traits: Heavier and more muscular than Section B, combining strength with action
• Use: Great for driving, dressage, and all-round riding
• Fun Fact: Sometimes described as “small powerhouses” thanks to their strength-to-size ratio.

4. Welsh Cob

• Height: Over 13.2 hands (no upper limit)
• Traits: The largest and strongest of the Welsh breeds, powerful, with a bold trot
• Use: Riding, driving, hunting, dressage, and farm work
• Fun Fact: Known for their flashy movement and ability to carry adults easily.

Top 10 Names for Welsh Mountain Pony

Small, clever, and full of charm

1. Llew – “Lion,” symbol of Welsh pride
2. Cariad – “Love,” perfect for a sweet pony
3. Pixie – Playful and fitting for their tiny size
4. Glenys – Traditional Welsh name meaning “holy”
5. Snowdrop – Dainty and bright like the flower
6. Bryn – “Hill,” simple and strong
7. Tegwen – “Fair and blessed”
8. Pebble – Small but mighty
9. Nia – Short and elegant Welsh girl’s name
10. Celyn – “Holly,” a nod to nature and resilience

Top 10 Names for Welsh Pony

Elegant, athletic, and spirited

1. Seren – “Star,” graceful and glowing
2. Rowan – Tree name with fiery spirit
3. Aeron – Celtic river goddess, also a strong unisex name
4. Echo – For a quick and agile pony
5. Gwenna – Derived from “white, fair”
6. Stormy – Fast and fierce
7. Rhosyn – “Rose,” delicate but bold
8. Taliesin – Legendary Welsh bard
9. Ashen – Sleek and moody in tone
10. Wren – Small and musical, like the bird

Top 10 Names for Welsh Pony of Cob Type

Muscular, smart, and versatile

1. Dylan – “Son of the sea,” strong and classic
2. Taran – “Thunder,” a bold and energetic choice
3. Meira – “Joyful” in Welsh
4. Emrys – Legendary name, linked to Merlin
5. Maple – Reflects strength and grace
6. Cadi – Friendly, energetic name for a fun mare
7. Oakley – Nature-based, sturdy and dependable
8. Ffion – “Foxglove,” vibrant and striking
9. Torin – “Chief,” for a natural leader
10. Luna – Elegant and mystical

Top 10 Names for Welsh Cob

Powerful, proud, and majestic

1. Branwen – “Blessed raven,” a strong mythological name
2. Arthfael – “Bear prince,” noble and rare
3. Cymru – The Welsh name for Wales itself
4. Gwydion – A magician-warrior from Welsh myth
5. Ffierce – A modern twist for a bold cob
6. Mabon – “Great son,” linked to strength and rebirth
7. Eira – “Snow,” clean and commanding
8. Pendragon – For a horse fit for kings
9. Bronwen – “White breast,” traditional and poetic
10. Arawn – Mythical lord of the underworld, deep and dark energy

Tips for Choosing a Welsh Horse Name

• Consider their Breed: These names are particularly fitting for Welsh Ponies and Cobs, but can suit any horse.
• Personality Match: Does the name’s meaning align with your horse’s unique character and temperament?
• Pronunciation: Welsh can have unique sounds. Practice saying the name to ensure you’re comfortable with it. If it’s for competition, consider if judges/announcers will be able to pronounce it easily.
• Meaningful Connection: Choose a name that resonates with you and creates a special bond with your horse.
• Registration: If you’re registering a purebred Welsh Pony or Cob, be aware of any naming rules specific to the Welsh Pony and Cob Society (WPCS) or your national registry.

Good luck choosing a beautiful Welsh name for your horse!