Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Olwen

      Origin

      Welsh

      Meaning

      White track

      Variations

      Nolwenn, Olena, Olsen
      The name Olwen, derived from the Welsh language, holds a fascinating historical significance. Originating from the words ol and wen, which respectively mean track and white, Olwen represents the concept of a pure and untrodden path. In ancient Welsh mythology, Olwen was a character associated with beauty and purity. Often depicted as a graceful princess, she played a pivotal role in several legends, most notably the tale of Culhwch and Olwen. This mythological connection has helped solidify the name Olwen's place in the annals of Welsh history.

      Despite its ancient origins, the name Olwen has securely transitioned into modern-day usage. In Wales, it continues to be a beloved name choice for parents seeking to honor their heritage or exhibit a sense of pride in their Welsh roots. Outside of Wales, Olwen has gained some prominence as a unique and alluring name, appreciated for its elegant simplicity and the cultural richness it carries. Its roots in mythology and the Welsh language make it an excellent choice for parents wanting to embrace a name with a historic and cultural legacy. Whether in the realm of folklore or contemporary society, the name Olwen promises to endure as a symbol of purity and a connection to Welsh heritage.

      Based on our records...

      Jones

      Jones

      This is the most common surname associated with Olwen.
      William

      William

      This is the most common name of those married to a Olwen.
      David

      David

      This is the most common name for a child of a Olwen.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1917 is when there were the most people born with the first name Olwen.

      Explore the origins of another name.