Gender:
Origin:
Welsh
9 famous people named Olwen found on Wikipedia.
27 female in US.
Most recent ranking:
17408-th in year 2018
Best ranking:
2666-th in year 1917
Used in: Welsh
In Welsh mythology, Olwen is the daughter of the giant Ysbaddaden and cousin of Goreu. She is the heroine of the story Culhwch and Olwen in the Mabinogion.
Her father is fated to die if she ever marries, so when Culhwch (sometimes spelled as Kilhwch) comes to court her, he is given a series of immensely difficult tasks which he must complete before he can win her hand. With the help of his cousin King Arthur, Culhwch succeeds and the giant dies, allowing Olwen to marry her suitor.
The name "Olwen" reappears in the folktale Einion and Olwen, about a sheep herder who travels to the Otherworld to marry Olwen. The tale was collected at the turn of the 20th century but is certainly related to Culhwch and Olwen.
The meaning of the name Olwen is "white footprint". According to legend, she was so gentle and fragile that white lilies would grow in her footprints.
Some authorities consider her to have been originally a solar goddess, based on the etymology of her name and light-related attributes.
Alternative spelling: Olwyn.
White footprint. Combine of ol (footprint, track) and gwen (white, fair, blessed).
| Popularity | Name | Birth Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olwen Kelly | ||
| 2 | Olwen Fouéré | Irish actor and writer | |
| 3 | Olwen Wymark | 1932 | American playwright |
| 4 | Olwen Hufton | 1938 | British academic, educator and writer |
| 5 | Olwen Brookes | 1901 | |
| 6 | Olwen Wolfe | 1949 | American psychologist |
| 7 | Olwen Thorn | 1984 | British biathlete |
| 8 | Olwen Brogan | 1900 | British archaeologist of ancient roman libya |
| 9 | Olwen Rees | Welsh actress and singer |