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Wen

Boy name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Wen: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 2010.

From Welsh roots, Wen began as a familiar short form of names containing *gwen*, meaning 'white, fair, blessed', and is distinct from the Chinese surname Wen which means 'culture' or 'writing'. In Wales, it has long been used as a given name in its own right, though in Scotland it was rare until the late 20th century. The name's most famous bearer is likely Wen the Archer, a legendary figure from Chinese history often depicted as a skilled warrior. While no major places directly bear the name, it shares its root with the Welsh river Gwendraeth and the town of Aberdare's Welsh name Aberdâr, which honours a saint named Tewdrig. Notably, Wen is sometimes considered a unisex name in Scotland, reflecting its dual heritage as both a Welsh feminine diminutive and an independent Chinese name.