Hywell

eminent, notable
Welsh origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#1653US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.2%Percentile

What does Hywell mean and where does it come from?

Hywell is derived from the Welsh name 'Hywel', which is rooted in the Old Welsh word 'hy', meaning 'eminent' or 'notable'.

Cultural significance
Hywell is a traditional name in Wales, associated with historical figures such as Hywel Dda, a notable king of Deheubarth in the 10th century.
Peak popularity
Reached #1653 in 2015 — currently #1653 in the US.
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Related Reading
Welsh-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Hywell?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Hywell?

Hywell works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Hywell Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Hywell John
One syllable · timeless choice
Hywell Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Hywell Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Hywell Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Hywell Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Hywell
Browse ideas →

How popular is Hywell right now?

Holding steady — currently #1653 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1653 · Top 1.2%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#165310stable
2022#165310stable
2021#165310stable
2020#165310stable
2019#165310
💎Hywell is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Hywell?

Common
HywHyweHywieHywy

Famous people named Hywell

HD
Hywel Dda
A 10th-century king known for codifying Welsh law.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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Common questions about the name Hywell

What does the name Hywell mean?
Hywell means "eminent, notable" — a name rooted in Welsh tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Hywell?
Hywell is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Hywell?
Hywell originates from Welsh tradition. Welsh names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Hywell a common or rare name?
Hywell is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Hywell more of a girl or boy name?
Hywell is primarily used as a boy name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.