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This is my girlfriend's name. I think it's a beautiful, sweet name that can suit any female, although it seems a bit better on girls who are Welsh or at least have some Welsh ancestry.
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Bronwen Knox is an Australian water polo centre back/centre forward. She played for the National Water Polo League's Queensland Breakers before switching to the Victorian Tigers for the 2012 season. In 2013–14 season, she played for the Greek powerhouse Olympiacos in the European competitions, winning the LEN Trophy.
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Bronwen Hughes is a Canadian film director.
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Dame Bronwen Holdsworth (née Pearson), DNZM, is a New Zealand businesswoman and arts patron.
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Bronwen Wallace (1945 – 1989) was a Canadian poet and short story writer.
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The meaning never bothered me for a second -- like most Celtic names, Bronwen is a raw gem which radiates physical and emotional strength. Bronwen is a free spirit, as clever and majestic as a bird, a passionate spinner of yarns with a tendency to get lost in their own world. None of this is bad -- it's just different from names you usually hear on the street, a good kind of different. I think our desolate planet could do with a few more souls named Bronwen.
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Bronwen is also the Welsh word for weasel, as weasels here have a white breast. I can't exactly say for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if those little guys were where the name Bronwen came from :)
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 :)
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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 :)
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I think it’s extremely funny how everyone seems to be gawking at the meaning of this name and everything. It bothered me for a second, but it doesn’t anymore. I think it’s very beautiful.
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It's funny to me that so many people find the meaning suggestive. I automatically thought of a bird with white feathers on its chest.
I don't think the "breast" part is supposed to mean a woman's bosom but simply "breast" as in "chest". I mean a man's chest can also be referred to as breast (yes, even if his chest is completely flat or muscular, it is just a general term).
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I don't think the "breast" part is supposed to mean a woman's bosom but simply "breast" as in "chest". I mean a man's chest can also be referred to as breast (yes, even if his chest is completely flat or muscular, it is just a general term).
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My name is Bronwen also, and it was sometimes a bit difficult growing up with people not knowing how to pronounce it and family members trying to give me nicknames because they didn't like it, but my mom was stubborn and insisted I be called by my first name. I'm really glad that she did! I've always loved my name. I think it's beautiful and it makes me feel special. To me it's the perfect name for the type of personality I have: quiet, book-loving, and artsy. I have met two other people named Bronwen in my life and they both happened to be singers and musicians just like me. That most likely isn't what every Bronwen does, but quite interesting nonetheless!
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Bron-WEN.
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I like the nickname Brownie.
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Bonnie could be a nickname for Bronwen.
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Just asking about the meaning of this name > Bronwenann.
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Bronwen is the exact opposite of Jordan. The masculine spelling of Bronwen is Bronwyn, while the feminine spelling of Jordan is Jordyn. I still prefer Bronwyn for a girl and Bronwen for a boy because I want it to be like Jordan.
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Hello, my name also is Bronwen. I am a New Zealand Maori yet while at school until college had always spelt it with a YN until seen on my birth certificate. I myself did not take a liking to my name with YN when I saw it spelt with EN I really liked it, there's just a difference in pronunciation with WEN and not WYN. Also the first time I met my partner of 10 years' father about 21 years ago he was WELSH from Breacon surname MORGAN. I loved his accent and he just loved me straight away when I told him my name lol.. I'm proud of my name and definitely fair. Wonderful to meet all Bronwyn's & Bronwen's ♥.
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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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Bronwyn is not the male version, Bronwen is a completely feminine name. Bronwyn is the Irish spelling, where it is opposite of the Welsh rule, en for female and yn for male. As for the name, Bronwen is very pretty.
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My name is Bronwen.. named after the popular character in How Green was my Valley. I have HATED my name until about 10 years ago.. I am in my early 40's. I have learned to like it more as I have matured. I have 5 children and I named them all very cute Irish names to stay true to my heritage, but to also work in America.
I LOVE meeting Bronwen's. I met a group of Welsh woman last weekend in Boston and they said my name as beautifully as I have ever heard it!
What it means, who cares. It is how you carry your name :)
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I LOVE meeting Bronwen's. I met a group of Welsh woman last weekend in Boston and they said my name as beautifully as I have ever heard it!
What it means, who cares. It is how you carry your name :)
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I am a Bronwen also. I love it as a woman in my 40s now. Recently I have had people telling me I spell it wrong. I explain to them that no, it is correct! They don't get it. I was never teased at school and most people comment on how beautiful the name is.
It's pronounced (Bron-when). The reason people have trouble is because different accents pronounce differently. Apparently Americans don't have the required vowel pronunciation to say it, and have difficulty.
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It's pronounced (Bron-when). The reason people have trouble is because different accents pronounce differently. Apparently Americans don't have the required vowel pronunciation to say it, and have difficulty.
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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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Hello, I also bear the name Bronwen (brrr-on-when) as we Americans pronounce it. I'm also of Welsh heritage. The male variation of this name is Bron or fair.
The meaning of my name, white breasted, was never an issue. I have found any woman I have encountered with the same name is beautiful inside and out, well rounded, a little eccentric, and well to hold her own.
Blessings to all.
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The meaning of my name, white breasted, was never an issue. I have found any woman I have encountered with the same name is beautiful inside and out, well rounded, a little eccentric, and well to hold her own.
Blessings to all.
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I am so blessed that I was named Bronwen. It is pronounced exactly how it is spelled, even though everyone in my entire life during roll call couldn't pronounce it correctly! My name has shaped who I am - I am 34 and have met 2 others in my life. Very unique and I love it. My father got my name from the Welsh mythology series "The Mabigonian" by Evangeline Walton. Within these books are other names like Dylan, Rhiannon, Annwn, and Llyr. Great read, great names, all with great meanings. If you are thinking about naming your baby girl Bronwen - do it.
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I was named Bronwen for the character in "How Green Was My Valley." My father was of Cornish descent and my mother of Welsh descent and he gave my mother the book while she was carrying me. It was a challenging name to grow up with as children [and adults] can be dense and sometimes cruel. I always knew when the teacher got to my name on her list as there would be a long pause. Only two syllables but apparently tough to manage and, I was told, "too different." As an adult I am very happy with it. Thanks to my mum I am not called
"wennie" or "bronnie". I am glad for that as well.
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"wennie" or "bronnie". I am glad for that as well.
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I'm a girl, and have a variant of this name, (actually the male version) Bronwyn. I can tell you already do not worry about getting bullied - it doesn't happen. Once, in fifth grade, we were finding the meanings to our name. My teacher practically shouted out "fair-breasted". The whole class was laughing and I was thoroughly embarrassed. And then it was forgotten within 5 minutes.
In respect to the name being "ungirly" because it has the pronunciation of brawn, my nickname for a long time has been "Bronnie", or sometimes even "Brownie", mostly because I have brown hair and brown eyes, so I do kind of look like a brownie I guess?
Everybody I've met has loved this name, even if it took them a couple tries to get it. I think it makes me memorable in a world of Sarah's and Taylor's.
This is a truly beautiful name.
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In respect to the name being "ungirly" because it has the pronunciation of brawn, my nickname for a long time has been "Bronnie", or sometimes even "Brownie", mostly because I have brown hair and brown eyes, so I do kind of look like a brownie I guess?
Everybody I've met has loved this name, even if it took them a couple tries to get it. I think it makes me memorable in a world of Sarah's and Taylor's.
This is a truly beautiful name.
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Winnie could be a good nickname.
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This meaning is nothing to be embarrassed about. It could be used a great ice-breaker. The interpretation, of course, is "pure hearted".
In Old English, "-wyn" means "joy". So, the spelling Bronwyn could mean "joy of the breast"!
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In Old English, "-wyn" means "joy". So, the spelling Bronwyn could mean "joy of the breast"!
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For some reason unknown, I'm drawn to and love this name. Heaven knows why, it's simply 'brawn'+'when', but there is something strong and sweet about Bronwen. I imagine a quiet, thoughtful, smart young girl.
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All that I hear and see when "Bronwen" is presented to me is "Brawn"... hardly the most feminine thing out there. "Brawn" is, of course, fine as a word... but it is simply a hideous deed to be entered into the pronunciation of a name!
A little girl's nickname should never be "Brawny," no matter the extent (or lack of) tomboy-attributes she possesses.
Personally, I think that the fact that it is Welsh and ends in "-wen" is the blinding attraction that people hold for it.
Unprofessional and comedic, I find.
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A little girl's nickname should never be "Brawny," no matter the extent (or lack of) tomboy-attributes she possesses.
Personally, I think that the fact that it is Welsh and ends in "-wen" is the blinding attraction that people hold for it.
Unprofessional and comedic, I find.
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A beautiful name! A special character in my most favorite novel, "How Green Was My Valley".
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The meaning isn’t at all suggestive. In the context of Bronwen’s meaning, “breast” is equivalent to “chest”. Bronwen means “fair chest”; “white breast” is too literal a translation.
Bronwen is a beautiful, strong name for any female.
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Bronwen is a beautiful, strong name for any female.
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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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Nice for a character. Not so great for a person, because of the meaning. Don't you picture a pretty girl with this name? XD
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I really don't know why I like this name. I just do. And I don't think it sounds masculine at all.
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Hey, well my name is actualy Bronwen, but everyone shortens it to Bronnie. Bronwen is pronounced like it's spelt, almost every Welsh word is! So yeah is Bronwen like on and wen like how you say when. I'm Welsh and yeah I know what the name translates into hahah. Bron--breast and funny enough (though my parents didn't know this when they named me) but Bronnie said in an broomy accent is actually like bronnau, and bronnau means breasts.
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To me, the name sounds masculine. Yes, I know it certainly isn't masculine in the language it comes from, and it's only used for females in the culture it comes from, but the name sounds a bit out of place in the US, and it really does sound masculine. The first syllable ''Bron'' sounds masculine, and the ''wen'' sounds masculine, as it reminds me of masculine names like Darwin and Edwin.
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I think Bronwen is a very beautiful and elegant name. "White breast" doesn't need to be embarassing, "breast" could mean the upper chest below the neck, that you would see in a regular cut top.
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A beautiful name that has substance. The sound of it has a bit more to it than a lot of popular names in the Ella/Ellie/Emily/Amy vein. Rich in mythological association, too.
I really don't think the meaning 'white breasted' is so bad. I mean, what is even wrong with having white breasts?! OK, I know having your name mean anything to do with breasts is a bit juicy, but it's not as if the meaning is transparent. I feel sad for anyone who is teased because of their name, but I defy anybody to show me a name that is impossible to make fun of. Mean kids will use any material they can if they decide to tease someone.
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I really don't think the meaning 'white breasted' is so bad. I mean, what is even wrong with having white breasts?! OK, I know having your name mean anything to do with breasts is a bit juicy, but it's not as if the meaning is transparent. I feel sad for anyone who is teased because of their name, but I defy anybody to show me a name that is impossible to make fun of. Mean kids will use any material they can if they decide to tease someone.
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Having a girl at my school called Bronwen, I know that it is pronounced Bron-Wen (Bron - as it is spelt and like the name Don, not Brahn or Brawn or anything American like that! Wen - exactly the same as how you'd say When, unless you say the "h" in it that's MEANT to be silent!)
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In the book, "Odd Thomas" by Dean Koontz, this is the name of Odd Thomas' girlfriend, though she prefers to go by Stormy.
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I think this is a very pretty name - despite the relatively suggestive meaning. But I think it would be better translated as "fair/white skin" then "white breast". When I hear the name Bronwen, I picture a brunette girl, with kind blue eyes, with a mature personality, and a loving, gentle heart.
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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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Bronwen is the name of writers Edward and Helen Thomas's second child and elder daughter, Bronwen Thomas.
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Apparently "bronwen" can also mean "weasel"! (Just discovered it in my Welsh dictionary; "wenci" is the far more common word.)
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This was my name, but it was "Bronwyn" with the Y. It's an awful name. Growing up my mum told me it meant "guardian of God". Then we were doing something to do with our name origins in Social Studies and I found out the real meaning and so did everyone else. I barely survived all the teasing it caused in my last 5years of high school. If you're considering this name for your kid, don't. I'm so glad I got it changed.
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White breast? Lots of teasing potential there, but otherwise very pretty.
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Bronwen is a beautiful name! In fact, I read a really good book where one of the characters was named Bronwen.
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I concur with the statement that ‘Bron’ should be pronounced just as it is spelt: the problem may be that American English does not use the short, rounded ‘o’ vowel-sound that is so common in both Welsh and British English. To British ears, American pronunciations of ‘dog’ are either ‘dahg’ or ‘dawg’. Though it is not clear why this should lead to the instruction to pronounce ‘Bronwen’ as ‘Brahnwen’ it is a fact that that is how most American speakers will pronounce it, as they do not, or perhaps cannot, pronounce the required vowel.
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Pronounced just as it looks. Is the correct version -- Bronwyn would be male as it uses the Y instead of the E in 'wen'.
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I could be wrong, but according to Welsh, it should be pronounced more like "BRON-wen" as in "groan".
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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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