Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Cornwall, the beautiful place of dramatic coastlines, magnificent castles, yummy pasties and cream teas, and jaw-dropping scenery, has had its distinct culture, heritage, and language for centuries. Cornish baby names are a reflection of this rich landscape and offer a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking names that echo the past while celebrating the present. Celtic language is divided into two branches – Goidelic and Brythonic. Cornish, Welsh, and Breton are Brythonic languages. This explains the similarity between Wales and Cornwall’s mythology, lore, and even names. But the Cornish language was spoken only up to the 18th century and is spoken by less than one percent of the population (1). Nevertheless, the Cornish language still plays a crucial role in Cornwall’s identity. Attempts are being made to revive the language. This has resulted in the introduction of nature and vocabulary words and, of course, baby names. In naming a baby, the Cornish people follow their age-old custom of naming their first son after the paternal grandfather, the succeeding son after the maternal grandfather, and the third son was named after the father. For daughters, the first was named after the maternal grandmother, followed by the paternal grandmother, and the third daughter after the mother. From the strong and timeless classics like Jacob to the enchanting and melodic Wenna, Cornish names weave a narrative that connects generations and embodies the perfect vibe of the region. Get set to explore a journey through the realm of Cornish baby names, where history, folklore, and the wonders of nature create a captivating fusion that is reflected in the diverse array of naming possibilities for your tiny tot. If you want to showcase your Cornish culture and heritage, pick one of the Cornish baby names. For your help, we have compiled a list of Cornish baby boy and girl names with meanings.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Poppy |  |  Girl | Red flowering plant; Remembrance |
| Rosen | | Girl | Rose. |
| Rosenwyn | | Girl | Fair rose |
| Ruby | | Girl | A precious red jewel |
| Samuel | |  Boy | Name of God |
| Sennen | |  Unisex | Eternal; Millennium; Everlasting |
| Sienna | | Unisex | Reddish brown clay; Border; Wicker work |
| Sophia | | Girl | She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom |
| Sowena | | Girl | Success or achievement |
| Splanna | | Girl | Cornish word meaning brighter |
| Steren | | Girl | Cornish word; Star |
| Talwyn | | Girl | One with a fair brow |
| Tege | | Girl | Pretty little thing |
| Tegen | | Girl | Pretty |
| Tehan | | Boy | A place in Sicily |
| Tiegan | | Girl | Something pretty; Of ornamental |
| Treeve | | Boy | Literally; Farmstead or one dwelling in town and village |
| Tregereth | | Girl | Mercy |
| Tremaine | | Unisex | Rock settlement |
| Tremayne | | Unisex | Rock settlement |
| Tressa | | Girl | The numeral three from Cornish word |
| Trethowan | | Boy | One residing on the farm |
| Trevik | | Boy | From a big farm or estate |
| Trueth | | Girl | Compassion |
| Wenna | | Girl | White; Fair; Blessed |
| Ysella | | Girl | Modest |
In essence, Cornish baby names encompass a captivating prism of a unique regional identity and a profound connection to nature and history. Cornish names offer diversity by carrying both a familiar and distinctive sound that makes them easy to recognize. These names, often echoing the ancient Celtic heritage of Cornwall, evoke a sense of timelessness and authenticity. With their melodic sounds and inherent meanings, Cornish names resonate deeply and stand apart from others in the realm of baby names.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some Cornish baby names that are easy to spell?
Caradoc (amiable), Elowen (elm tree), Kaja (daisy), Kerensa (love), and Morgan (great song) are considered as easy to spell because they have phonetic consistency, do not contain any complex combination of letters and are familiar to English-speaking people.
2. What are some gender-neutral Cornish baby names?
Charlie (one who has all the rights), Sienna (reddish-brown color), Jennie (a white wave), and Tremayne (a settlement of rocks) are a few examples of gender-neutral Cornish baby names.
3. Can you suggest some Cornish baby names with a Celtic meaning?
Some Cornish baby names that might have Celtic meanings include Arthek, derived from proto-celtic term ‘arto’ meaning bear, Casworon, believed to have been derived from the Celtic term ‘cad’ meaning ‘battle’ and ‘kawaro’ meaning ‘hero’, Derwa, meaning ‘oak tree,’ likely to have been derived from the Proto-Celtic term ‘daru’ meaning ‘tree,’ and Goron, a name believed to have been derived from the Proto-Celtic term ‘kawaro’ meaning ‘a champion.’
4. Which Cornish name means love?
Kerensa is an example of a Cornish name that means ‘love.’ It can be an excellent choice for your beloved baby. Another interesting name related to love is Lowdy, a child born on a love day.
Infographic: Culturally Rich Cornish Baby Names
The enchanting realm of Cornish baby names is where history and legend intertwine. With echoes of the mystical land, these names embrace Cornwall's magical grace and allure with a certain Celtic charm. Check out the infographic below for names that unfurl the intriguing tales of Cornwall. Also, don’t forget to save and share this infographic with your friends.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- The Brythonic languages.
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/gaelic-modern-scotland/content-section-2.5
