Llewelyn Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: luh-WEL-in /lʊˈwɛlɪn/
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: lion-like; like a lion
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Llewelyn has its roots in the Welsh language, deriving from the Old Welsh name "Llewelyn," which is believed to be composed of the elements "llew," meaning "lion," and "elyn," a diminutive suffix. This combination can be interpreted as "lion-like" or "young lion." The name has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including "Llewelyn ap Gruffudd," who was a notable figure in the 13th century and the last sovereign Prince of Gwynedd, ruling from 1255 until his death in 1282.
His reign marked a significant period in Welsh history, as he sought to unify Wales against English encroachment, making the name Llewelyn synonymous with leadership and resistance in Welsh culture. The name's historical significance is further underscored by its appearance in medieval Welsh literature and genealogies, where it is often associated with nobility and valor.
The 13th century saw the rise of the name's prominence, particularly through the aforementioned Llewelyn ap Gruffudd, whose legacy was immortalized in various historical accounts and folklore. The name has also been linked to the broader narrative of Welsh identity and nationalism, especially during periods of conflict with England.
Culturally, Llewelyn carries connotations of strength and bravery, resonating with the symbolism of the lion, which is often associated with courage and nobility in various traditions. The name has endured through centuries, reflecting the rich tapestry of Welsh heritage.
Additionally, diminutive forms like "Llew" have emerged, showcasing the name's adaptability within familial and social contexts. Overall, Llewelyn serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Welsh history and culture, encapsulating themes of leadership and resilience.
Famous people named Llewelyn
In this section, you will find notable people named Llewelyn. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Llewelyn who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Llewelyn who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Llewelyn ap Gruffudd is a historical figure best known for being the last sovereign Prince of Wales.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Llewelyn, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Llewelyn. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Llewelyn was first seen in the United States in 1916.
Llewelyn has ranked as high as #1337 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Llewelyn has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Llewelyn is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Llewelyn was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Llewelyn
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
No state data available for this year.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Llewelyn.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 1978 | 5 |
| 1976 | 5 |
| 1975 | 5 |
| 1962 | 7 |
| 1959 | 5 |
| 1957 | 7 |
| 1955 | 5 |
| 1953 | 5 |
| 1929 | 6 |
| 1926 | 6 |
| 1921 | 8 |
| 1918 | 5 |
| 1916 | 8 |