Branwen is a rare and unique female given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the ancient Welsh language and has a rich history behind it.
The name Branwen is composed of two elements: "bran" which means "blossom" or "beautiful," and "gwen" which means "white" or "fair." Therefore, Branwen can be interpreted as meaning "beautiful and fair" or simply "blossoming white."
In Welsh mythology, Branwen is the name of a princess who features prominently in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, one of the Eleven Original Tales that form part of the Mabinogion. According to this legend, Branwen was the daughter of King Lludd and Queen Elfed of Britain. She married Matholwch, king of Ireland, but later became a pawn in a political dispute between her husband and brother. Despite her loyalty and bravery, she ultimately suffered greatly due to the betrayal of those close to her.
Throughout history, the name Branwen has been associated with Wales and its culture. It has also been used as inspiration for literary works and artistic creations. Today, it remains a lesser-known but distinctive choice for parents looking for a unique name for their daughter that honors Welsh heritage and mythology.
In terms of its popularity, Branwen is not one of the most common names in the English-speaking world. However, it has gained some recognition through its use in popular culture, such as appearing as a character's name in books, movies, and television shows set in Wales or featuring Welsh themes. Overall, Branwen is a beautiful and meaningful name with deep roots in Welsh history and mythology.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Branwen has seen a relatively stable number of births in the United States over the past few decades. The first recorded birth for this name was in 1975, with six newborn girls named Branwen that year.
In the following years, the number of babies named Branwen remained consistent, fluctuating between five and six births annually. This pattern continued from 2002 until as recently as 2019, with no significant trends indicating a rise or decline in popularity for this unique name.
The total number of births with the name Branwen recorded in the United States since 1975 stands at forty-two. While not one of the most popular names during this period, it has maintained a steady presence among newborn girls over the past four decades. This stable statistic suggests that Branwen continues to be a recognizable and enduring choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughters.
Overall, the statistics indicate that Branwen is an uncommon yet well-established name in the United States, with a consistent number of births each year since its first appearance in 1975.