Comments for the name Branwen

Branwen could also be pronounced with a long a, like "BRAWN-wen".

It isn't said BRAWN-wen, as a fair few Welsh names are pronounced just as they look. So, it's simply BRAN-wen. :)

According to T.A. Barron who wrote the "Lost Years of Merlin", Branwen is the name of Merlin's mother.

According to Welsh mythology, Branwen (daughter of Llyr) is one of the three greatest queens in the land and the most beautiful girl in the entire world.

I don't much like the pronunciation of this name (but, then again, I'm American and this is a Welsh name -- it's the "a" that sounds a bit harsh to me). I *love* the name Bronwyn (pronounced BRAHN-wen) by comparison. The softer "ah" is more delicate & feminine.

Actually, the name 'Bronwyn' would technically be masculine, as the 'wyn' ending comes from the masculine 'gwyn'...'gwen' is the feminine form. But, I suppose either name could be used for boys too. Suppose they'd be teased, but it could be done.

"Bronwyn" for a boy? You'd have to be one cruel person to call your son "white breast".

Actually, "white breast" is only if you take the meaning *literally*. Alternatively, Bronwyn could mean "pure heart".

Although, I still much prefer Bronwen to Branwen, considering that the latter reminds me of Raisin Bran.

I think this is a great name. My mom wanted to name me or one of my sisters this, she chose Caitlin, Hannah, and Emma (me). I prefer Branwen to Bronwen.

In the Fantasy book A Swiftly Tilting Planet (third in the Wrinkle in Time series) by Madeleine L'Engle, Meg's mother in-law's first name is Branwen. Her middle is Zillah, and she goes by Beezie (BZ).

I think this name is extremely beautiful, in pronunciation and meaning.

In Madeline L'Engel's "A Wind in the Door" the main character's Mother in Law is named Branwen, after the Irish Princess.

I may be wrong, but isn't the name Branowen (a variant name) a name in J. R. R Tolkien's Lord of the Rings?

'Alternatively could mean "a girl with black hair and white skin." In Mabinogi, Branwen is Bran's sister; they are male and female aspects of the Celtic war deity.'
Source: http://www.amethyst-night.com/names/welshfem.html

Gorgeous name, and a much more mature alternative to Raven! I have a weakness for Welsh and Cornish names, and this one is no exception.

I used this name for a character in RPG a few years ago and I love it very much! It's a name strong and sweet at the same time and when I hear it I think always to my sorcerer!