Hywel
/ˈhəu̯.ɛl/noun
A traditional Welsh masculine given name, especially associated with Hywel Dda, a tenth-century Welsh king.
Did you know?Hywel Dda, or “Hywel the Good,” famously convened Welsh lawmakers at Whitland, helping create the medieval legal tradition known as the Laws of Hywel Dda.
Etymological Timeline
Early Medieval Period
Brythonic Welsh
*Higuel
“An early reconstructed form underlying the personal name; its precise original meaning is uncertain.”
9th–10th Century
Old Welsh
Hyguuel
“An attested early medieval form of the name.”
10th Century
Old Welsh
Hywel
“The personal name borne by Hywel Dda, a Welsh ruler traditionally associated with codifying Welsh law.”
Middle Welsh
Welsh
Hywel
“A continuing masculine personal name in medieval Welsh tradition.”
Modern English
English
Hywel
“A Welsh masculine given name, generally pronounced approximately “HOO-el.””