Introduction to Welsh Names
Welsh is a Celtic language that is spoken in Wales. Lately Welsh has been undergoing a renaissance, with Welsh citizens (particularly school-age kids) having a renewed interest in speaking the language.
To the non-Welsh speaker, Welsh names may look a bit daunting. However, if you study Welsh, you will learn that the language is very regular and follows "rules" with very few exceptions (unlike English-- Through, rough, slough, ghost, anyone?).
Once you can wrap your brain around the fact that "w" is a vowel, you're on your way!
There are many resources on the internet for learning to pronounce Welsh, here are a few:
There are a few Welsh vowel and consonant sounds that don't exist in English at all. Here's a crash course in a couple of them:
LL is pronounced sort of like "HL." Make your mouth form an "L" sound and then blow air out before you say "L". When in doubt, just say "H'yuh" as in the name "sarah Hughes." In the pronunciation section of the name lists, I have used the letters HL to indicate this.
RH - roll the "R" and then make a quick "H" sound after it. In the pronunciation section of the name lists, I have used the letters HR to indicate this.
FF is pronounced like the English "F" (example: Ffion /FEE on/)
F is pronounced like the English "V" (example: Ifan /IH van/)
For a more detailed version, visit one of the above sites!