your comments
Myfanwy Mitchell
Hi, all you Myfanwys out there. I am amazed to find so many, also to find my niece who my uncle named after me, so hello Myfanwy from Worcs aka Anna.
Tue May 19 12:59:13 2009
Myfanwy James, Ottawa, Canada
My dad is from the Rhymni Valley in south Wales and wanted me to be aware of my Welsh heritage, hence the name. I use my full name most of the time and except for the occasional teacher looking for a male student named James have had no trouble with Myfanwy.
Mon Apr 20 10:26:31 2009
Myfanwy (Myf). Penarth, Wales
I have Welsh parents who love the name Myfanwy, but it has taken me a while to get use to it. At school I always have people and teachers who can't say my name and lots of people who have to ask me loads of times how to spell it. My friends always call me Myf because its easier to say, but I have had lots of nicknames inclunding Miffy and Shniv! Lots of people have made fun of my name mostly because of little Britian. It's nice to know that there are so many Myfanwys out there.
Tue Apr 14 11:41:17 2009
Myfanwy - Ivy Eloise H
Some advice: If people ever make fun of the name Myfanwy they're super jealous because it's a beautiful name. I'm in my first year of Senior school and when I first began I got teased by other kids in my year and older. It's so childish. I don't really like my name but I prefer it to other common names. My parents were going to call me Megan (another Welsh name). My mates call me Miffy for short. But if somebody takes the mick don't get all shirty because it's a waste of breath. All I say is "I'm starting a new fashion" (but it looks like somebody got there first :D).Although I guess you couldn't call me a proper Myfanwy because I have a double barrelled name. It's a cool poem but I don't think many people can resemble to it.Probably made a few spelling mistakes...not really good in the English department!
Tue Apr 14 09:33:22 2009
Myfanwy James from Oxford
I have lived in England all my life, but my father's family are Welsh and when it came to chosing my name they won over my mum and called me Myfanwy. Despite the teasing and the little Britain jokes I think it has a lovely story behind its origin.
Thu Apr 9 11:06:18 2009
Bronwyn Scorgie, South Africa
My grandmother's name was Myfanwy - I always knew that I got my Celtic magic from her. She was certainly not vain though - she was always there for me!
Mon Mar 16 08:57:39 2009
Nfanwy Welsh, Darwin, NT, Australia
Although the spelling of my name is slightly different - my father named me after he heard the name Myfanwy on the radio when he was 16. Our family has no Welsh heritage but I have grown up with a double whammy as my surname is Welsh so you can share/imagine the opportunity for hilarity upon introductions / Dr's appointments... etc.. it is always an ice breaker and I really love and appreciate that my name is even more unique and derived from an already beautiful name. I am aware of the interpretation my father got from Myfanwy. I always give people the original/correct spelling and explain how I got my name. In Australia there is also a Myf Wharhurst.. a gorgeous presenter on radio Triple j and Spicks and Specks a music tv quiz panel show. I love Dafydd's "A Bacardi and coke please Myfanwy" - Little Britain. Seems so apt and camp and fabulous. I am enthralled by the story above and I have lived with the meaning of it being 'my rare one' of 'my fine thing' which makes sense in the context of the Welsh story of Myfanwy. I have also loved David Essex's ballad of Myfanwy and find it funny that spell check always tries to correct it with Meany or Infancy. LOL. So big love and respect goes out to all the Myfanwys and names derived from a most lovely gorgeous and unique name.
Thu Feb 19 08:38:44 2009
Myfanwy from London
I am a Myfanwy and came across this site whilst trying to find out how many people out there share the name. (Previously I had only met a very old lady and a rather cute but stupid dog with the same name). I have been amazed to find out just how many of us there are. As for the story, well I hope I am not vain, but I did once leave an impoverished but lucid and poetic type for a smarter, richer guy... Yes Myfanwy is a name that is challenging to grow up with but now, in the third decade of my life, I have now made a full recovery from the various embarrassing mispronunciations and love the name. Although thanks to the Myfanwy character in Little Britain the name does raise a few sniggers (but at least a lot more people can now pronounce the name correctly!). Love to all the other Myfanwys. Myf x
Fri Feb 13 09:40:48 2009
Myfanwy Pickett, Hampshire
I have had this name for 60 years now and have always loved it. Being born and bred in the south of England I have always had to explain how to pronounce it, but I have never regretted having this beautiful Welsh name. Thank you Dad.
Mon Feb 2 08:57:14 2009
Angharad Myfanwy from Sth Australia
I grew up with a lot of teasing, people couldn't say or spell Angharad let along Myfanwy. I always knew when someone was about to say my name, there was usually a pause, and then Miss P (surname omitted). Now I always go by Harrie, which usually takes just as much explaining. Harrie was given to me by my little sisters because they couldn't pronounce Angharad when they were learning to talk. However, I do love my Welsh names, and use them when I can. I am very proud of my Welsh heritage.
Mon Feb 2 08:28:11 2009
Carys Myfawny J
I can't say my last name, my first name is Carys and my second is Myfanwy. I love the story.
Thu Jan 15 10:03:29 2009
Myfanwy Howe, France
We are living in France. Myfanwy is our eldest daughter called after my husbnd's Celtic ancestors. She is not vain though...
Tue Jan 6 08:18:50 2009
Alun Jenkins, Neath, South Wales
I used to work in a private mine in Tumble, where one of the colliers sang in the Tumble male voice choir. He knew that I loved the song Myfanwy but got very emotional over it as most people do who know of the heartfelt story it was written for. He sang the song whenever I was working close by, and due to the acoustics underground the words were more haunting than ever. Needless to say he just loved to see a grown man cry. If you are named Myfanwy then be proud, as the haunting name will brighten the strongest Welshman's heart.
Tue Dec 30 11:16:04 2008
Tom Belmont, Rhondda
In response to David Grima of Maine, USA. I read your comment about a choir singing Myfanwy whilst two men in a boat drowned another. I can only assume that what you logged onto was a comedy film called Twin Town wich was made in Swansea. I personally do not take offence at this, as if you were to see the film, which I could send you if I had your address, I think you would find the film funny.
Mon Dec 29 11:49:12 2008
Tom Belmont, Rhondda
Myfanwy - what a wonderful song that when sung people simply stop in silence to listen. I am a member of Treorchy male voice choir and when we sing Myfanwy you can feel the hwyl in the air.
Mon Dec 29 10:25:44 2008
John Devine from North Yorkshire
Just taken delivery of my beautiful new and graceful sea kayak, made in North Wales. As we give our boats female names (because they're always looking out for buoys??) then it has to be Myfanwy! The magical tune will keep us company as we paddle the coasts. Just hope she never drifts away from ME when I need her most!
Wed Dec 3 08:49:57 2008
David Grima from Maine, USA
In searching online to hear the Treorchy Male Voice Choir singing Myfanwy, perhaps to satisfy a certain hiraeth that overcomes me now and then, I was astonished this autumn to find a You-Tube film of a choir singing this song in Welsh, on a pier at night, while two young men in a boat drowned a third. As can be imagined it was not what I was looking for!
Wed Dec 3 08:19:24 2008
Olwen Rhondda K, Qld Australia
Like so many of you Myfanwys, I too have had trouble with my name all through my life. Funny, people seem to think I don't know how to spell my names. My father was from the Rhondda Valley and I am proud of my heritage. The song Myfanwy has always been special to us and brings me "undone" emotionally every time I hear it.
Mon Dec 1 08:37:01 2008
Don Lewis from Western Australia
I first I heard the name Myfanwy when working in a racing stable who had this beautiful chestnut filly. Yes, you guessed it - her name was Myfanwy.
Thu Nov 13 09:20:07 2008
Myvanwy, Moushall from Brisbane
Wow, so many with Myfanwy and even another Myvanwy. It's so interesting how I have never ever met another Myfanwy let alone a Myvanwy yet there are some in Australia. This myth is awful but the poetry is sweet. Though unlike the Myfanwy in the myth I am not vain and frankly not beautiful really but it's nice to know my name has some nice origins and is shared with lovely people. And anyone who doesn't like their name doesn't deserve its beauty and rareness.
Mon Nov 3 08:59:37 2008
Myfanwy from Rhymni Valley
I've always hated my name, I've been teased all through childhood, and I hate that everyone mispells it, so I usually just say Meg but my friends call me Myf(move). I hadn't a clue there was this many of us (Myfanwys) all over the world. I hadn't a clue about this story of the vain Myfanwy but I did hear about a more modern song about an opera singer named Myfanwy and a composer fell in love with her but some reason meant they couldn't be together. Maybe one day I might learn to love my name, but for now I still dislike my name and wish my mum and dad had named me something else.
Mon Oct 6 08:28:46 2008
Ruth Myfanwy, Wales
For fun, I had a look through all the other Myfanwys out there and was amazed! Would like to contact Ewart Davies who left a message here on Thu Feb 22 14:02:19 2007 about Bwcle. I had an ancestor from this farm, and I also have an old chest of drawers handed down in the family, a wedding present to my great great grandmother in 1844 made by the carpenters of Trewaddon Isaf. Their grave is in the cemetery of Penrith Church. I run a music publishing company called CURIAD, and we sell sheet music for choirs - Myfanwy is a very good seller.
Tue Sep 16 08:28:59 2008
Myfanwy P, Pembrokeshire
My name is Myfanwy Carys Price... a true Welsh name for a true Welsh gal. My two sisters both have Welsh names and we have all grown up here, in Pembrokeshire. If you have never been here, you should come... its well worth it, lol.I really had no idea there was this many Myfanwys!
Wed Aug 27 07:53:28 2008
Jim Boyles
My mother's name is Myfanwy. To us it is the most beautiful name in the world. We are burying our mom on Monday and we will miss her dearly.
Mon Aug 25 19:20:27 2008
Jimmy Cairney, Brighton
Do you lot know Malcolm Pryce's ABERYSTWYTH books?They are great, the heroine in them is called Myfanwy...that's where I first heard the name. The posts on here from people all over the world with the same name/experiences are brilliant & lovely!
Mon Aug 18 08:43:58 2008
Richard, New York
I'm curious about how Myfanwy turned up in Vaughan Willams' version of the East Anglia folksong "Geordie". The opening stanzas read as follows:
As I walked over London Bridge
One Midsummer's morning early
O there I spied a fair, pretty maid,
Lamenting for her Geordie.
'Geordie has stolen nor house nor land
Nor has he murdered any
He's stolen six of the King's white deer
And has sold them to Myfanwy.'
Thu Aug 7 17:13:11 2008
Myfanwy Fitzpatrick, London
You can't spell Myfanwy with a V...as there is no V in the Welsh language! If you are spelling Myfanwy with a V you are wrong and your name technically doesn't exist. Many of you say you are not Welsh speakers. Coming from a Welsh speaking family I know what I'm talking about!
Tue Jul 29 09:48:54 2008
Jane, Gibraltar
I think Myfanwy is such a beautiful name - I wish my parents had given me something more unique! I was born in Wales of Welsh/Scottish parents, and ended up with 'Jane'! To rectify matters, our girl cats are called Morgana and our new arrival is Myfanwy :) Confuses the heck out of locals and non-Welsh Brits! Incidentally, for those interested in Welsh pronunciation, look for a book called 'Teach Yourself Welsh' (I think!) - quite useful! Oh, and watch Pobol y Cwm! Hwyl!
Mon Jul 28 09:29:06 2008
Myfanwy
I'm a Myfanwy born clear on the other side of the world from Wales to be more specific, in the Caribbean. My mother fell in love with the name when she was in school in England and later on during her labour they almost lost me. My grandfather prayed me safely into the world that night. As a result my mother bestowed upon him the right to name me. He had fallen in love with the name as well and named me Myfanwy after a special person in his past. Hence my name :). I, like many others on here, suffered through a sort of stigma having such an unusual name growing up and insisted again like many others here (surprisingly) that I be called Myffie. Since that time however, I have come to love my name not only for its uniqueness but for the culture that is so deeply engrained in its origins. Myfanwys of the world treasure your name! Your parent/s gave you an amazingly beautiful name attached to a beautiful history.
Mon Jul 14 08:13:05 2008
Myfanwy Evan, Usa
Dear Miffy, I am so sad to hear your trepidations with others and their unsavory ability to disrespect your name. Obviously you are a beautiful and popular young lady as why else would simple minds try to irk your poetic sensibilities. When I six my mother, Miriam, she told me to know that if one chooses to misprounouce my name, well, then they are not to be my friend nor should I concern myself. Yet my friends called me Fonny. Often it is telling how others portray themselves upon attraction. When was in middle and boarding schools my friends called me Muffy, I went to a bohemian artistic school (the Darrow School) and played all kinds of sports and was just the opposite of the image there at the time. Nonetheless, my hometown high school mates wholeheartedly encouraged me to rejoin the class for a 20 year reunion. I am truly blessed because those who do know me and respect me show their affection quietly with simple truths.
Mon May 19 08:23:38 2008
Michelle Myfamwy
I'm an Assie Myfamwy - yes spelt with the 'm' in the middle and not a 'n'. I love my middle name! I worked with a Welsh lady and I could never say my name as she could, it always sounded so lyrical from her. I used to ask her just to say it for my own pleasure.
Fri May 9 10:14:00 2008
Myfanwy, Malvern, Worcs
My father gave me my name as he was born and bred in Wales. I also have had many names called me some which are rude so when I was about 6 my teacher chose a lot of names put them in a box and chose one. The name Anna came out so everyone at school called me Anna and some still do. It's like a habit now but I have always tried to correct people and say my real name is Myfanwy. I was also known as Miffy. But to have the only name in the whole school was cool.
Fri May 9 08:36:37 2008
Myfanwy Fitzpatrick London
There is no V in the Welsh alphabet... the F and A make a V sound. You can NOT spell you name with a V its an insult to the Welsh language.
Fri Apr 25 09:37:30 2008
Myf Yorke
This is so exciting to hear so many other Myfs! I love my name but still get teased about it - by my four year old!
Mon Apr 21 08:46:42 2008
Bianca
I absolutely love the name! It's so cool!
Tue Apr 1 09:17:49 2008
Miffy
I am in school and absolutely HATE my name, it always seems such a big joke to everone else. My teachers can never get it right it just annoys me. Why don't they just ask me how to pronounce it? Oh no, that would be much too trivial for my wonderful teachers. No, they must try and fail to pronounce it and laugh as if it is funny. Does it get better when you're older? I hope so. But, it's nice to see some other Myfanwys and share our experiences.
Wed Mar 26 14:00:55 2008
David of Pembs
Many years ago I came across a music score for Myfanwy, one side was in Welsh, the other English, but in the English version, Myfanwy was replaced with Arabella. Can anyone enlighten me?
Tue Mar 4 13:33:25 2008
Myfanwy
Just looking at all the comments written about my name is amazing! When I was young I hated my name and thought about changing it. But when I met my husband he loved the name and at the last second I decided not to. The name Myfanwy comes from Wales and means fine one (I think)... Me and my husband decided we would make our surname Boyle-Clarke because I was Myfanwy Clarke and he was Ben Boyle (just if you're wondering where Clarke is because it isn't a place in England...I think!).
Mon Mar 3 09:09:06 2008
Myfanwy Morgan, Oxford now Croydon
My mother wanted me to be called Jane but my lovely father registered me Myfanwy. Imagine my mother's surprise when she saw the birth certificate.
Mon Feb 18 10:16:20 2008
Myfanwy Rhodes, Crewe, Cheshire
So many Myfanwys! I'm named after my mum's great nain. Her family hailed from Ruthin and were quite traditional by all accounts. I hated my name while growing up and suffered the name of Fanny throughout school but I have also been known by Van, Myf, Myffer, Myfington and various other versions! I have grown to love my name as since the success of the TV show Little Britain, with its sketch staring Daffyd the only gay in the village and Myfanwy the barmaid, everyone can now pronounce it beautifully...and no-one ever forgets my name!
Wed Feb 13 12:27:07 2008
Anna Myfanwy - Australia
Myfanwy is one of my most favourite names of all times. I love most Welsh names with Tangwystl being another fav of mine.A few years back I was going through a change in my life and decided to change my surname, I then thought why not go the whole hog and give myself a middle name I actually liked as well, so I chose Myfanwy. I too first heard it from the wonderful radio announcer Myf Warhurst here in OZ. If anyone is an awesome ambassador for the Myfs of the world it's her!
Wed Feb 6 16:14:37 2008
Liz Price
My parents were going to call me Myfanwy but decided against it in the end. I still wish I had a Welsh first name - at least one link to my heritage. I recently started a music project which I named The Myfanwy Project for that reason. (themyfanwyproject). This is how I came across this webpage! I invite you Myfanwys to participate if you like by sending audio clips for inclusion in music tracks!
Fri Feb 1 08:27:53 2008
John Williams from Worthing
The Myfanwy sung by David Essex is a setting by (I believe) Mike Read of the poem by John Betjeman [with the reference to a potting shed]. Like the 'trad.' song it is timelessly beautiful and both deserve listening to.
Fri Feb 1 08:01:14 2008
Aileen Hayward from Cudgen Australia
Can any of you Myfanwys help me identify a lovely song sung by some English ballad singer? The theme is a young girl, at school, she rides her bycycle and keeps it in the potting shed. The singer is expressing love for her youth and energy yet it is not an expression of voyerism. Just a lovely old song from the days when it was OK for a man to admire a lovely young schoolgirl without suspicion. I think his first name is David. Can you help me please? Most grateful for any info.
Mon Jan 21 09:38:11 2008
O'Brien, Sydney, Australia
I wanted to call my daughter Myfanwy but my husband vetoed it. (I ended up calling her a ridiculously long Indian name). Poor girl! My new ferret is Myfanwy (Miffy for short).
Mon Jan 21 08:01:13 2008
Carol Strong, Toulouse, Port Orchard, WA, USA
I became friends with Mafamwy whose brother was Ian, when I studied at the U of Edinburgh in 1967-68. I know she moved to Canada and was doing some writing, I believe. I did not remember the story, but do remember that Mandy was a lovely person with a beautiful souding voice.
Fri Dec 21 08:15:41 2007
Miffie from Indiana
My father named me Myfanwy - but it was misspelled on my birth certificate so I am Myfawny. Yes, very difficult to pronouce. My parents call me Miffie. They also pronounce it like Tiffany but with a M. I like the name. Never really bothered me to correct someone when it was said wrong. I always knew it was my turn when the teacher would sit there and stare at the name before trying to pronounce it. Makes all of us unique. Truthfully, I didn't think there were that many people with the name. I always thought my dad made it up.
Thu Dec 13 08:01:35 2007
Myfanwy Mwamba from Kenya
My dad actually gave me that name. He got it from a story book and liked it, however, not many people were able to pronounce my name correctly including my mom. So I would be called Myvee or simply Miva. Miva is what I'm now called because it's easier to pronounce in my culture. I don't really like Miva because its meaning from wikipedia is an obnoxious male diva.
Sun Dec 2 16:24:26 2007
Allan Fenwick, Newcastle NSW originally
My grandmother was Myvanwy Evans born in Medowie NSW but called herself Myfanwy. They spoke Welsh at home. I was bowled over when I first heard this most beautiful Welsh love song. My Welsh grandfather called her fanw (vanoo).
Mon Nov 26 09:04:34 2007
Lisa Clark, Calgary
I'm part of the SCA, a medieval group. I chose a Welsh persona because my mum's family is from south Wales and picked the name Myfanwy because it's a cousin's name that I've liked since I was a little girl. My cousin shortened her name to Fan (pronounced Van) which is a variation that doesn't seem all that common!
Wed Nov 7 08:30:24 2007
Tam, Canada
My mum's name is Myfanwy. She was named after her 'nain' (grandmother in Welsh). I think it is a beautiful name and my nain told me that it means fair one. She shortens it to Myfi, (phonetic...muvee). I love and am proud of my Welshness and all those named Myfanwy, consider it a blessing!
Tue Nov 6 08:32:01 2007
Myvanwy , ACT Australia
Wow! There are so many Myfanwys! My name is spelt with a "v" because my parents didn't want me to be fanny. (I thank them much). I love my name sooooo much! It's a good way to tell if a teacher is intellegent and really worth listening to a lot if they can pronounce my name in the role! My mum's name in Angharad and she used that trick at school 2! Im really amazed that there are real people called Myfanwy (well, I knew but hadn't really thought about it) but there's like a whole town of Myfanwys and Myvanwys! (that would actually be scary - imagine the nicknames). I get called wee-wee by peeps who don't like me (boo!) and Myv by my friends, even though I prefer Myvanwy but it's much easier for them because Myv is 1 syllable -lazy friends! Ha ha.
Mon Oct 22 08:42:24 2007
Ruth Dowd (Williams) from Atlanta, Georgia, U.S
My dad was Welsh, but I have no idea how to pronounce Myfanwy. How do you pronounce it, and what is its meaning?
Mon Oct 22 08:27:27 2007
Suze, Melbourne, Australia
Hi, my Myfanwy is a Kelpie x Border Collie. She's such a lovely dog. We named her after an Australian radio announcer who was talking on the radio when we picked our dog up for the first time from the lost dogs home. Her full name is Myfanwy Cleopatra and her nickname is Myffy, Myf Myf, or Monkey. We love her and her name!
Mon Sep 17 08:46:54 2007
Myfanwy, Hampshire
I used to hate the name Myfanwy when I was younger. At one point I got so sick of people not saying my name right. I got teased too! But it is great to find so MANY more Myfanwys. It's FAB!
Thu Sep 6 10:14:25 2007
Myf (Myfanwy) K, Melbourne, Australia
It was a difficult name to grow up with - a lot of teasing, every new teacher stumbling when reaching my name on the roll, constantly having to spell it for people, repeating it during introductions... I've come to apreciate my name now. It's me. It seems many people have become familiar with the name Myfanwy. These days, when I introduce myself, the response is often "oh, so are you Welsh then?" or "oh, I once met another Myfanwy, I don't suppose you know each other?" hehehe! Hello Myfanwys!
Wed Aug 29 11:47:24 2007
Myfanwy Brown Robinson from Toronto, Canada
I grew up as Fanny, but people used to tease me about my name. I think the name Myfanwy is really beautiful. So love the name that you are born with.
Fri Aug 24 09:24:20 2007
Diane from Iluka, NSW
I have always loved the song Myfanwy. My father was born in Gilfach Goch and came to Australia with his family in 1923. I was born in 1940. Didn't know my father much, never around. My mother said he waned to name me Myfanwy Blodwin, I would have liked that, but Mum won. At least Diane is a lovely song from the movie 'Seventh Heaven' which I have never seen.
Tue Aug 21 10:33:11 2007
Myfanwy from Winnipeg, Canada
I have only ever met one other Myfanwy and it was a bizarre experience for both of us. For the first time in both our lives, when someone said our name we weren't sure who was being spoken to! As a child I was called "Muffie" which I hate til this day. My good friends call me Muff but everyone else MUST call me Myfanwy!
Thu Aug 16 10:15:57 2007
Myfanwy Foster
I was named after my mum's cousin who lived in Dover - apparently she was a wonderful person, so mum believed that I (the namesake) would be too. It was a pain of a name to grow up with, but now I feel it is quite lovely to have a name with such strong Welsh history. I live in Australia in Ballarat. I have a copy of the "Myfanwy" music score with the equivalent English version "Arabella" given to me by a very kind and thoughtful patient I nursed many years ago.
Mon Aug 13 13:32:13 2007
Myfanwy Gwenan O'Shea from the Rhondda Valleys
The only problem with my name is people always get it wrong, it even took my boyfriend 2 weeks to remember it.
Tue Aug 7 13:38:37 2007
Courtney Myfanwy Robertson
I'm sad to say that I never inquired as to what my grandmother's name is translated as, and now I'm happy to have found out!
Mon Jul 16 10:10:16 2007
Celia, Ireland
I wonder. Are any of you Australian Myffs - my old friend from the University of Ulster, Coleraine, 89-92? If so I've been trying to track you down for years and would love to get in touch!
Mon Jul 2 08:45:16 2007
Chris Cavanagh, Laggan via Crookwell Australia
My Myfanwy was a Border Collie bitch who was born 16 MARCH 1985. Her pedigree name was Bordercheck Myfanwy - I had already determined the pet name would be Myfanwy when the breeder asked me if I had a name I would like for the dog's registered name. However with Ozzies being Ozzies, the name was mis-spelled by the breeder when she submitted it on the form and as she was late sending it in and the dog was over 3 months of age when I got the paperwork back, the registrar would not change the spelling. So she got registered as Bordercheck Myfawny. Because of it being in the register as Myfawny I always had to spell it that way on offical paperwork but she was always called Myffy and was truly My Fine One. Myf had 4 litters for us and 2 of those pups went on to become Best In Show winners and another was a runnerup to Best In Show. Myf herself was Challenge Bitch at the Border Collie Club of NSW in March 1989 when 6 weeks pregnant. She was Runnerup Best in Show that day to her father the beautiful Toddy (Aust Ch Minimbah Hot Pursuit) who sadly crossed the rainbow bridge at just 8 years of age but he held the record at the time for the most Best in Show wins for a Border Collie in Australia. My Fine One left me when she was 15.4 years and I still have her youngest daughter Aust Ch Pawtails Crystal Comet (a Best in Show winner) who will be 15 on 18 July this year. Thankyou Myffy for being a wonderful foundation bitch along with Bordercheck Caithness (Caity) - these girls were the beginning of Pawtails Border Collies, Australia.
Fri Jun 15 09:53:34 2007
Raymond Jones, Merthyr Tydfil
Donny Osmond is performing live at Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday 30th June 2007. His ancestors were from Merthyr. As a tribute to the town and to Dr Joseph Parry he is to sing the Welsh love song "Myfanwy". I hope the 15000 plus crowd realise that yards from where he will sing it Joseph Parry and his childhood sweetheart Myfanwy Llewellyn would have stood together as children. If they are looking down I hope they'll enjoy it and also my great grandfather who lived in Merthyr's "China" near Myfanwy Llewellyn's home.
Thu Jun 14 14:16:14 2007
Denise Goulburn
We have been to visit Llangollen and took my Myfanwyn with us. Took a picture of the fort on the hill and I must say it is one beautiful spot to visit. To Helen in South Australia, if you just put the name in Google search and 'song' after it - you should get the words in both languages. That is how I got them and "Myfanwy" is on David Essex greatest hits. It too is a beautiful song. Any Myfanwyns out there should try to get to Llangollen in Wales - it's worth it.
Thu Jun 14 12:42:12 2007
Helen, Adelaide South Australia
A friend has asked for the Welsh and English words to the song Myfanwy I do have them but they are still packed in the transit boxes as I ve only been in OZ for six months having left Aberystwyth to come here to live. I would be so pleased if someone could let me have these words.
Mon Jun 11 10:29:33 2007
Myfanwy Jones from Melbourne, Australia
Happened upon this site and found it lovely and eerie. I, too grew up as a lone Myfanwy. Started out as Miffy, progressed to Myf, and was also Vani for a time when living in Vietnam. Funny that you can feel an affinity with others just because you share a name. Good health and happiness to all you other Myfanwys out there! (I'll be tracking down that David Essex)
Tue Jun 5 08:08:13 2007
Denise Goulburn
Both my daughters have Welsh names. I love the names. One is Rhiannon and the other Myfanwyn. We stuck the "n" on the end to save any teasing at school but wish I hadn't. We still pronounce it My-van-we. She gets Miffy at the moment but hopefully she will use her full name when she is older. The name can mean 'one fine one', 'my precious one', or 'my blessed one'. All came from a Celtic name book. It also had the variation on the name using the "n". Both are as beautiful as their names.
Tue May 15 08:45:40 2007
Myfanwy A, Melbourne, Australia
I introduced myself as Myf many years ago to a straight-forward kind of woman from rural Tasmania. Her response still cracks me up. she looked me straight in the eye and said "Is that your real name or have you just got a lisp?". I was always Miffy as a child. In my teens I insisted on being called Myf. It wasn't until my late teens that I really started to use my whole name (I pronounce it ma-vun-wee). Before then it always felt a bit too much of a mouth full. It's still endlessly tricky for many ozzies to get, so I use Myf a lot even though I much prefer my full name. Close friends call me Myfa. Some people call me Miv, but this doesn't quite feel right for me and when I was in India they liked to call me Vani. One life. Many names. I've met maybe one or two others, and heard of many more. Aside from meaning "My Fine One" my mum always told me it meant "Child of the Water". So either my folks were on something the day I was born or they just plan liked it. It was the 70s. Whatever the case, I've grown to really love my name. I got over all the teasing at school. And through the teenage patch of declaring to my mum that I was changing my name to Chloe. She just said "Okay". I never did change it. Thank heavens. I've never known of any direct connection in our family to Wales. My Grandpa's middle name was Selwyn, which is a lovely Welsh name, but that's about as Welsh as it gets. I'd love to go there one day. Has always felt a little strange having an unusual name from another culture of which I have no or little connection, although I am a musician, which would appear to be a very Welshy thing. Great to read from other Myfanwys from other non-Welsh parts of the world. Fascinating to find this story too, although this particular Myfanwy does seem a little self-absorbed and fickle. I wonder if she had a happy life with that rich chap. If any of you are interested, do have a read of Dylan Thomas' 'Under Milkwood' it has a character in it called Myfanwy Price who runs a lolly shop and is in love with Mog Morgan. It's a great read. Full of heaps of other juicy gnarly Welsh characters.
Thu May 10 14:36:50 2007
Myvanwy Brailsford
WOW! How strange that there are so many of us and I have never met another. As far as I know our name means "my fine one" which kind of fits in with the myth. I have always pronounced it Mu-van-wee but we are not Welsh and I always think it sounds nicer with the accent. Although mine is spelt with a 'v' I still grew up as Miffy. And yes I too have always been quite proud of my name given that it seemed I was the only one growing up although the constant spelling it to EVERYONE and then explaining where it comes from can be a little tiring after 30 years. But I wouldn't change it for anything.
Thu May 3 08:27:02 2007
Myfanwy (MYF) S, Sydney, Australia
Hello all Myfanwys. I am now 35 and my name is extremely rare here in Australia - I have only met one other. I found it difficult growing up as I was FOREVER being asked how to say my name. I was told it meant 'rare one' by my mother.
Wed May 2 08:06:25 2007
Myvanwy Mercieca, Malta
Wow! Nice to get to know about this site! Here in Malta I am the only Myfanwy although I spell it Myvanwy I don't know the reason behind that, but that is the way it was taught to me! My mum found it in a baby names book she says but she never had the exact definition or origin for it! I always thought it was some invented name and could never imagine it had such stories behind it! Although it is a very strange name I have always been proud of it for the main reason that I always thought I was the one and only Myvanwy - at least in Malta! I am 22 and still do not know whether I do pronounce my name correctly and, in fact, from the comments posted hear it seems I am totally wrong in this as I've always been called MI-VI-NI, miv in short! Am I supposed to be called mu-van-ooee then? How will I convince all those knowing me to start calling me by the name MUVANUY after 22 years?:) Nice to get to know more about my name's origin. So you Welsh out there proud of your heritage please let us know more!
Tue Apr 10 08:54:58 2007
Emily from Warrington
My horse is called Myfanwy and I think it means pretty in Welsh. Can anyone tell whether I am right please?
Thu Mar 29 08:12:50 2007
Barton, USA
My grandmother was Myfanwy I would like to know what it means. Can anyone help?
Mon Mar 26 08:55:30 2007
Ewart Davies
I am interested in this word Bwcle. There was a farm of this name in North Pembs not far from Cardign and I was a neighbour (Trewaddon). If Alun Lloyd Davies lives there I would be interested in making contact. Regards to all Myfanwy lovers
Thu Feb 22 14:02:19 2007
Christianne Collins, Houston, Texas, USA
My great-great aunt was named Myfanwy and I always loved that name. The Welsh heritage runs strong in the family here - my grandfather was Thomas Thomas, and his mother's surname was Williams and then we have our Davies & Jones too. We still own the farm they homesteaded in Louisiana in 1885. I have been to see the cousins in Camarthenshire. What a magnificent heritage it is to be Welsh.
Thu Feb 15 12:13:21 2007
Raymond Jones, Merthyr Tydfil
The beautiful Welsh love song Myfanwy was not about a rich, vain princess from North Wales. It was about a poor little Valley girl from Merthyr Tydfil, Joseph Parry's birth-place. She was his childhood sweetheart and born in Merthyr's 'China'. When she was young she escorted her blind father around the town (he lost his sight in the Ironworks). He was a famous valley singer called Dick Llewellyn. Her name was Myfanwy Llewellyn. Joseph Parry was Professor of music at Aberystwyth and had returned from America when he, in later life, returned to the town. Dick Llewellyn was buried days before and Joseph went to his gravesite, and at the site he saw a pale, ill looking lady whom he barely recognised. It was Myfanwy who was visiting the grave. Their childhood in the Iron capital of the world came flooding back and although she later died he wrote what is in my opinion one of the finest love songs in the world in her honour. No rich princess in robes but a little valley girl in rags but be proud of. Myfanwy's that little girl, she was kind, honest and proud of her roots and she later became a fine soprano in her own right singing in London etc.
Mon Feb 12 11:53:07 2007
Stuart Lloyd
Hi Myvanwy, as regards you recollection of a song, have you heard of a Welsh folksong by the name of Myfanwy? The second verse talks of 'setting a young poets heart alight' (Â thanau euraidd serch dy fardd?)
Thu Feb 8 07:19:03 2007
Myfanwy Hack (Miv), Bursledon
It's great to find another Myfanwy in the world. I've never knew the myth of the girl Myfanwy.
Fri Feb 2 12:38:19 2007
Myvanwy Moar, Vic, Aust
I am trying to track down a poem/song/something about the name, all I can remember from it are these parts:
"name in a song... song in a name"
"three parts... one in the something... something... one in the woken heart"
"love of a Welsh bard's heart/art?"
But alas, when i Google them, nothing! Can anyone help?
Thu Feb 1 08:23:12 2007
Doug Firstbrook South Australia
I am an honorary member of the Treorchy Male Choir, a chorister myself born in the Rhondda and formerly a resident of Glamorgan. I am amazed that none of your correspondents has come up with the fact that the most famous version of the love song Myfanwy comes from Joseph Parry's Welsh language opera "Blodwen". You will find no better rendition of it than the Treorchi's but is sung by just about every male voice choir and there are more of them now than there ever were.
Thu Jan 25 08:12:46 2007
Myfanwy Harris (Miv)
Well it's rare to find Myfanwys, let alone another Myfanwy Harris! (Hi!) I had never heard of this myth. I live in Cardiff, S. Wales, and it's interesting to find Myfanwys across the globe :o)
Wed Jan 24 09:09:24 2007
Wands, Colorado
I absolutely adore the Welsh song "Myfanwy" and this article has definitely cleared up a few things. I do not speak Welsh and therefore do not know how to pronounce the lyrics in its original Welsh. I would love for someone to show me how I can enjoy singing the song, as well as listen.
Wed Jan 24 08:53:22 2007
Myfanwy Dilston Scotland
Well, I am called Myfanwy and I never knew there was a whole story about a vain girl called Myfanwy... I am like SOOOO not vain lol Bubi xox
Thu Jan 11 08:04:03 2007
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