Surname Ogwen - Meaning and Origin
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Ogwen: What does the surname Ogwen mean?
The last name Ogwen is an ancient Welsh-language surname derived from an ancient Welsh personal name, which was likely a combination of two Welsh elements. The first, "og," refers to a youth or young person, and the second, "gwen," is a female personal name meaning "white, fair or blessed." As a result, the name Ogwen can also mean "white youth."
Since Welsh surnames often indicate a geographical connection to a particular locality, Ogwen is thought to have originated in an area where white youths or children would have been commonly identified. The surname Ogwen likely originated in Gwynedd, an area in north-west Wales during the country's Middle Ages—but spread to other parts of Wales and beyond.
Nowadays, people of the Ogwen surname (or variants) can be found in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries around the world with Welsh heritage. The surname is a rare one, however, and the Ogwen family is thought to have originated from a single ancestor.
Throughout its history, the Ogwen surname has been associated with the traditional Welsh culture and values, as well as the country's strong sense of national pride. Today, the Ogwen surname continues to be a source of Welsh pride and is still seen in some parts of the world.
Order DNA origin analysisOgwen: Where does the name Ogwen come from?
Today, the last name Ogwen is most common in Wales, and is thought to have originated there. It is mainly found in north and south Wales and some parts of the UK, although it can also be found in parts of Canada and the US.
Ogwen is a Welsh patronymic surname, meaning 'son of Ogwen.' Ogwen was a popular male Christian name in the early Middle Ages and was likely derived from the Old Welsh personal name Oguen or Oggiwn. The name may also be a variant of the Welsh name Eugein, which was popular in the Middle Ages as well.
The Ogwen surname is found mainly in north and south Wales and several parts of England, particularly in areas close to the Welsh border. Some people bearing the Ogwen name can also be found in parts of Canada, the US, and even Australia. There are numerous notable people who bear the name Ogwen, such as writer and entrepreneur Jonathan Ogwen, Welsh broadcaster and politician Mervyn Ogwen Williams, and notable Welsh war poet Hedd Wyn (real name Ellis Humphrey Evans).
Today, the Ogwen surname is mainly found in Wales, although the people who share the name may be found elsewhere, bearing witness to the Ogwen name's rich Welsh history and strong ties to its native home.
Variations of the surname Ogwen
The surname Ogwen has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin. These include Oghyw, Oggyw, Oghuv, Ogyw, Oghou, Oggyu, Ogwy, Oagaw, and Oogyu. Some other variants appear less frequently, such as Ogye, Oggyd, Ogwe, Ogwydd, and Ogwedd.
These variants are all derived from an Old Welsh personal name, Ogyw, which is composed of two elements. The first element of this Old Welsh personal name was 'og', meaning 'edge' or 'margin' and the second element was 'yw', which was believed to mean 'yew tree'. Combined, the elements are interpreted to mean 'edge of the yew tree'. This likely refers to a distinctive landmark at the edge of a yew-wood.
Many variants of Ogwen appear primarily in the Welsh Kingdoms of Gwynedd and Powys, which covered much of northern Wales. As such, Ogwen and its derivatives are associated with the Welsh people of that area. It is likely the name was first adopted by people living near a yew-wood or edge, and the name was passed down throughout generations.
The Ogwen surname was also adopted as English surnames during the 15th and 16th centuries. A famous example of this form of the surname is Sir Owen Gwynne, a member of the British Parliament. In modern times, the Ogwen surname continues to be used in the British Isles and throughout the world.
Famous people with the name Ogwen
- Eryl Ogwen Roberts: Welsh footballer known for his time with Manchester United and Coventry City.
- Tegan Ogwen Roberts: Welsh-Canadian TV presenter and lifestyle vlogger.
- Gwilym Ogwen Davies: Welsh folk singer and tradition bearer.
- Sally Ann Ogwen: Former Welsh sprinter who competed in the 100m.
- Michael Ogwen: Sculptor and figurative painter from Wales.
- Aled Ogwen: Well-known Welsh language singer-songwriter.
- Anest Ogwen: Minister in the Presbyterian Church of Wales.
- Rhodri Ogwen Williams: Composer, arranger and conductor of Welsh music.
- Gruffudd Owen: Welsh nationalist politician and writer.
- Guto Owen: Welsh musician and former member of rock group The Stereophonics.