Comments (Meaning / History Only)
Just asking about the meaning of this name > Bronwenann.
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Being a Bronwen myself, I believe that it is a beautiful name often taken too literally. It is translated to ‘fair child’ the ‘Bron’ meaning ‘of the breast’. Traditionally in Wales, the variant ‘Bronwyn’ is masculine however, it can be used as a feminine name.
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Bronwen is my name, I was named after a Welsh Princess. Search heroines of Wales, Bronwen Welsh Princess. The meaning of the name translates to white breasted but like the Stoat. There is no sexual meaning, only the English appear to want to change the meaning and take it out of its proper context. Think about it, no Welsh Father would inflict such a name on their daughter.
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I have to argue that Bronwen is not equivalent to Branwen as some of you are suggesting. Branwen would be a white raven, which is quite different from a white breast or a pure heart. Heather Rose Jones has apparently researched the origins of these names here http://medievalscotland.org/problem/names/branwen.shtml if anyone wants to read more.
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As Bronwen (Branwen) was the daughter of Llyr, the god of the sea, perhaps the "white breast" in the name's meaning is also evocative of the white foam on the "breast" of the waves - that it is in fact a "sea name", like other Welsh names such as Dylan, Morgan and Merlyn.
That seems more likely than the "pure of heart" suggestion which seems a bit far-fetched for ancient pagan Ireland, when being pure was not the highest of priorities!
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That seems more likely than the "pure of heart" suggestion which seems a bit far-fetched for ancient pagan Ireland, when being pure was not the highest of priorities!
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Regarding the meaning of this name, which translates roughly to "white breast": it is common to read in pre-20th century literature of the "breast" or "bosom" (think "my bosom friend" or "feelings welling up in my breast") as synonymous with the more modern understanding of "heart" (as in "let me speak from my heart"). The breast or chest (both male and female), like the heart, was viewed as the seat of emotions and even character. The too-literal translation of "white breast" really misses the point. "Pure of heart" is probably the best translation. Think the opposite of "black-hearted."
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My name is Bronwyn with a Y and I'm half Welsh and a girl. So let’s fix some mix ups, Welsh was originally a spoken language so any spellings are according to the English and not necessarily applicable. It not only means white breasted but is symbolic for virgin so unless you end up with Mary as a middle name like I did there is no reason to complain. Lastly a neat fact is that Bronwen is the daughter of Dylan the Welsh sea god.
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Though the direct translation of this name means "white breasted" it makes more sense if you translate it as "pure hearted".
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Some people find the meaning of this name quite suggestive or strange. I would like to point out that the "bron" of Bronwyn can also be used to mean "skin."
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Oh, and it has nothing to do with Branwen beyond similar spelling! Branwen means "White raven" or "Blessed raven" and comes from the second branch of the Mabinogi, whilst Bronwen you already know :)