Rising since 2020, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Anwen since 1998
Babies named Anwen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 81 |
| 2010s | 70 |
| 2020s | 32 |
Meaning & origin
Anwen is a gentle Welsh name meaning 'very beautiful,' with roots tracing to the intensifying prefix 'an' and 'gwen' (white/fair/blessed). Though first recorded in U.S. data in 1998, it remains a rare choice, ranking 10,107th in 2025 with an estimated 1 in 178,585 births. Its peak year of usage was 2004, and it has been on a rising trajectory since 2020, suggesting growing appeal among parents seeking distinctive Welsh names. No U.S. state recorded it as a top name, reflecting its niche status. The name carries authentic Celtic heritage without being tied to any specific cultural or religious context, making it a subtle yet meaningful option.
Anwen is a Welsh name composed of the elements 'an,' an intensifying prefix, and 'gwen,' meaning 'white, fair, blessed, or beautiful.' It thus carries the meaning 'very beautiful.' The name has been used in Wales for centuries, though it remains relatively rare, historically more common as a male name but now predominantly given to girls.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Annie, Wen, An
Sibling names for Anwen
Names that share Anwen's style, for a brother or sister.
