What Are Welsh Naming Patterns?

By the sixteenth century Welsh naming practices were beginning to change as English names grew in popularity
However the Welsh often used names and/or nicknames to reflect a personal attribute and/or physical characteristics for example; Gwyn (m), Wen (f) fair or white

Middle names were uncommon in Wales prior to the 1880's

Naming Patterns for Boys
Ist Son was named after his Father's Father (Paternal Grandfather)
2nd Son was named after his Mother's Father (Maternal Grandfather)
3rd Son was named after his Father
4th Son was named after his Father's eldest Brother (Paternal Uncle)

Naming Patterns for Girls
1st Daughter was named after her Mother's Mother (Maternal Grandmother)

2nd Daughter was named after her Father's Mother (Paternal Grandmother)
3rd Daughter was named after her Mother
4th Daughter was named after her Mother's eldest Sister (Maternal Aunt)

Subsequent children were often called after other family members or friends.