Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Cerys

Variably spelled Carys or Cerys, this female personal name is a modern Welsh coinage taken from the Welsh word caru meaning, quite simply, “to love.”  The Welsh language, from the Brythonic branch of the Celtic languages (rather than the Gaelic that forms the Irish and Scottish languages), is quite distinct from the Germanic language of English.
 
The term “caru” has been traced to the prehistoric Proto-Indo-European root *ka- meaning “to like, wish, desire” (a base root that has produced words in other Indo-European languages for “lover”). Also connected to the Latin carus “dear, valued, beloved” as well as the English cherish “to hold dear,” the Italian cara “beloved," the Old Irish-Gaelic (Celtic) cara “friend” and the Old Persian kama “desire, love, longing” (the name of the Hindu god of love). In other words, this name is loaded with love.
 
As a modern Welsh invention, the name takes its root from "caru" plus the common Welsh “-ys” suffix (other Welsh examples include Gladys and Nerys). Carys and/or Cerys was first used in Wales in the late 19th century though very rare until the mid-20th century. It remains rarely used outside of its homeland of Wales, though gaining popularity in Great Britain. It is unfamiliar in the United States, and therefore quite unique!

All About the Baby Name – Cerys

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME CERYS

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME CERYS

This name has never reached a Top 1000 postion on the American female naming charts. In fact, Carys was given only 61 baby girls born in the United States in 2016 (out of nearly two-million girls born that year). And the variant spelling of Cerys (with an "e") is even more rare - given to less than five baby girls! It is a Top 400 name in Great Britain as a whole, and enormously popular in the nation of Wales in particular (and not surprisingly) -- where they prefer the spelling of Cerys over Carys. 

Quick Facts

ON CERYS

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

KAHR-is

SIMPLE MEANING:

To love, cherish

Characteristics

OF CERYS

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Cerys

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CERYS

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CERYS

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Cerys


Popular Songs

ON CERYS

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Cerys


Famous People

NAMED CERYS

We cannot find any famous people with the first name Cerys.

Children of Famous People

NAMED CERYS

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Cerys

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CERYS

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Cerys