Anwen is a feminine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Old Welsh word "anwyn," which means "fair" or "beautiful." The name Anwen is often associated with the Welsh goddess Anu, who was believed to be the mother of all life and the source of inspiration for poets.
The earliest recorded instance of the name Anwen comes from the 12th century Welsh poem "Culhwch and Olwen," in which Olwen's parents are named Caw and Anwn. However, it is unclear whether this name was used as a given name during this time period or if it was simply a poetic convention.
Throughout history, the name Anwen has been used by several notable figures in Welsh literature and history. For example, Anwen Kenneith was a 19th-century Welsh poet who wrote under the pen name "Seren Cymru," which means "Star of Wales." Additionally, Anwen Tomos is a modern Welsh actress known for her roles in television shows such as " Pobol y Cwm" and "Gwaed Mewn Dim."
Today, Anwen remains a popular given name in Wales and among Welsh speakers around the world. It is often spelled in various ways, including Anwen, Anwn, Annawen, and Annwyn. Despite its varied spellings, however, the name retains its original meaning of "fair" or "beautiful.
The name Anwen has been given to a total of 170 babies born in the United States between 1998 and 2023, according to the statistics provided.
While there were no recorded births with this name in some years (such as from 2002 to 2004), it became more popular after 2004. The year 2004 saw a significant increase in the number of babies named Anwen, with a total of 18 newborns given this name.
The popularity of the name has fluctuated over time. In some years, such as 2000 and 2005, only five babies were named Anwen each year. However, there have been years when the number of births with this name was higher than average, reaching a peak of 13 in 2006.
Overall, despite the variations in popularity over time, the name Anwen has been chosen for at least one baby every year from 1998 to 2023. It is important to note that these statistics only represent births registered with the Social Security Administration and may not include all births occurring within the United States during this period.
The recent years have shown a renewed interest in the name Anwen, with seven babies being named so in both 2022 and 2023. This indicates that the name continues to be chosen by parents for their newborn daughters even today.