First Names from Celtic Mythology and Arthurian Legend

Origin and Literary Context of the Names

The names in this group originate from various Celtic language regions—especially Welsh, Irish, and Breton. Arthurian legend as we know it today is not a unified historical record, but a literary construct. It was shaped and expanded during the Middle Ages by authors such as Geoffrey of Monmouth and Chrétien de Troyes based on older oral traditions.

What this means for the first names: many figures have both an older Celtic root and a newer literary form often influenced by French or Latin. Some names were even created entirely anew by medieval authors to fit their poetic meters. As a result, many of these names do not have a single, definitive translation, but rather a multi-layered history.

The Names in Detail

Arthur
Arthur's exact origin has not been conclusively determined. One explanation links the name to the Celtic word for bear; other origins are also discussed. In German, the “th” is pronounced like a “t”; in English, it sounds different.

Merlin
This name is documented to trace back to the Old Welsh name Myrddin. The underlying root means "sea fortress." The medieval author Geoffrey of Monmouth Latinized the name to Merlinus. In its present form, Merlin is well established in the German-speaking world and uncomplicated to spell.

Morgana
The origin of this name is widely traced back to the Old Welsh Morcant. Its components are often interpreted as "sea" and "circle" or "bright." Morgana is the Latinized form, which fits very well into German usage. A shorter variant is Morgan.

Gawain
This name is widely regarded as an Anglicized form of the Welsh Gwalchmei. This is often translated as "hawk of May" or "hawk of the plain." In German, the English pronunciation (usually Ga-wän or Ga-wäin) often requires a brief explanation in everyday life.

Tristan
Tristan is probably linked to the older Pictish Drustan. The French form was influenced by the resemblance to triste, “sad.” Therefore, “the sad one” is not a confirmed original meaning of the name.

Isolde
The exact history of the name is unclear. There are documented Germanic roots composed of "is" (ice) and "hiltja" (battle). However, researchers also suspect Celtic origins that have not yet been definitively proven.

Guinevere
This name is the Anglo-Norman form of the Welsh Gwenhwyfar. The root elements are documented and are composed of "gwen" (white, fair, holy) and "hwyfar" (spirit, phantom).

Lancelot
The origin of this name is not definitively known. It first appears in the texts of the French author Chrétien de Troyes. A common interpretation views it as a derivative of the Germanic name Lanzo, which goes back to the word for "land."

Percival
This name, too, was likely coined in literature by Chrétien de Troyes as "Perceval." A common interpretation derives it from Old French ("perce val" – pierce the valley). Other theories suggest a connection to the Welsh name Peredur. In German, the spelling Parzival is also common.

Gwendolyn
The name originates from Welsh. The root elements are documented and consist of "gwen" (white, fair) and "dolen" (ring, bow). It is a great choice if you are looking for a longer name that easily shortens to Gwen.

Rhiannon
This name from Welsh mythology is documented to go back to the older Celtic form Rigantona. The root meaning is "great queen."

Finn
The Irish name Finn belongs to Fionn and the word for “white” or “fair.” Independently of this, the Norse name goes back to Finnr, a historical term for a Sami person or a person from Finland.

Oisin
A traditional Irish name from mythology. It is documented as a compound of the Old Irish word "os" (deer) and a diminutive suffix, meaning "little deer." The Irish pronunciation sounds approximately like "O-sheen."

Maeve
This is the Anglicized spelling of the Old Irish name Medb. A widespread interpretation translates the name of the mythological queen of Connacht as "the intoxicating one." The pronunciation is "Mayv."

Enid
A name from Welsh literature that also appears in Arthurian legend. Its derivation is documented: the Welsh word "enaid" means "soul" or "life."

Gareth
Gareth is handed down as a knight’s name from Arthurian legend. Its older etymological meaning is unexplained. Welsh derivations are discussed; “the gentle one” is not a confirmed translation.

Elaine
Several figures in Arthurian legend bear this name. It is documented as an Old French form of Helena, which traces back to the Greek word for "torch" or "light."

Viviane
The etymological history of the mythological "Lady of the Lake" is not clearly established. A widespread interpretation derives the name from the Latin "vivus" (alive). Other theories suspect a Celtic origin that was Latinized over time.

Dylan
A name from Welsh mythology associated with the sea. The root elements are documented and composed of "dy" (great) and "llanw" (tide, flow, sea).

Bran
This short name appears in both Irish and Welsh mythology. The meaning is documented: the Celtic word "bran" means "raven."

Celtic Spellings in Everyday German Life

If you choose a name from Celtic mythology, you often face the choice between the original spelling and an Anglicized or Latinized form. Gaelic and Welsh use letter combinations that are read quite differently in German. For instance, the Irish queen is spelled "Medb" but pronounced "Mayv." The Welsh "Gwenhwyfar" became "Guinevere" in English.

For everyday life in the German-speaking area, the Anglicized or Latinized forms (such as Maeve, Guinevere, Merlin, or Arthur) are usually the more practical choice. They save your child from constantly having to spell out the name and explain the pronunciation later on. With names like Gawain or Oisin, consider whether you are prepared to regularly correct those around you on the pronunciation. Also say the first name aloud several times together with your last name. A softer, more melodic name like Elaine or Merlin often provides a nice contrast to a harsh, consonant-heavy last name.

How to Choose the Right Name

If names from this theme appeal to you, it is best to start with a broad list. In the HeyName app, you can independently filter first names according to your criteria and rate them as "Favorite," "Maybe," or "Not for us." When you connect your devices via an invite, you will instantly see an overview of which names you have both marked as favorites—those are your mutual matches.

Take this shortlist and discuss it specifically. Use the app to see how each first name looks alongside your last name. You can also compare up to three favorites directly side by side there. This allows you to gradually narrow down the list until you find the name that works best for both of you.

Editorial update: September 22, 2026

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