This is a list of Welsh people (Welsh : rhestr Cymry ); an ethnic group and nation associated with Wales .
Historian John Davies argues that the origin of the Welsh nation can be traced to the late 4th and early 5th centuries, following the Roman departure from Britain , although Brythonic or other Celtic languages seem to have been spoken in Wales since much earlier.[ 1] [ 2]
This list is for people of Welsh heritage and descent , and for those otherwise perceived as Welsh; through either birth or adoption. Only those meeting notability criteria are included. A few people appear in more than one section of the list.
Actors
Architects
Artists
Iwan Bala (born 1956), painter and mixed media artistRoger Cecil (1942–2015), painter and mixed media artistGlenys Cour (born 1924), painterIvor Davies (born 1935), painter, mixed media, installation and mosaic artistThomas Nathaniel Davies (1922–1996), painter and sculptorKen Elias (born 1944), painterNick Evans (1907–2004), painterBarry Flanagan (1941–2009), sculptorLaura Ford (born 1961), sculptorDavid Garner (born 1958), installation artistJohn Gibson (1790–1866), sculptorTony Goble (1943–2007), painterDan Llywelyn Hall (born 1980), painterNina Hamnett (1890–1956), painterClive Hicks-Jenkins (born 1951), painterRobert Alwyn Hughes (1935-2020), painterAlfred Janes (1911–1999), painterAugustus John (1878–1961), painterGoscombe John (1860–1952), sculptorGwen John (1876–1939), painterDavid Jones (1895–1974), artist and poetMartyn Jones (born 1955), painterThomas Jones (1742–1803), painterHeinz Koppel (1919–1980), painter, moved to Wales as a young manMervyn Levy (1915–1996), painter, art dealer, writer and criticOsi Rhys Osmond (1942–2015), painter and television presenterGeoffrey Olsen (1943–2007), painterMichael Gustavius Payne (born 1969), painterShani Rhys James (born 1953), painter, moved to Wales after graduationCeri Richards (1903–1971), painterWill Roberts (1907–2000), painterJohn Uzzell Edwards (1937–2014), painterAndrew Vicari (1938–2016), painterBedwyr Williams (born 1974), installation and performance artistKyffin Williams (1918–2006), painterRichard Wilson (1714–1782), painterNathan Wyburn (born 1989), food artistErnest Zobole (1927–1999), painter
Designers
Entrepreneurs
Richard ap Meryk (or ap Meurig), Anglicised to Richard Amerike (or Ameryk) (c. 1445–1503), after whom America is reputed to be namedGomer Berry, 1st Viscount Kemsley (1883–1968), newspaper publisherWilliam Berry, 1st Viscount Camrose (1879–1954), newspaper publisherJoe Blackman (born c. 1984), events and entertainment industry entrepreneurDavid Davies Llandinam (1818–1890), industrialistGriffith J. Griffith (1850–1919), mining millionaireJohn Josiah Guest (1785–1852), ironmasterJohn Hughes (1814–1889), businessman and founder of the city of Donetsk , UkraineSir William Thomas Lewis (1837–1914), coalownerTerry Matthews (born 1943), telecommunications billionaire, owner of Celtic Manor Resort Michael Moritz (born 1962), investorCharles Stewart Rolls (1877–1910), motor car manufacturer and aviatorHoward Stringer (born 1942), businessmanDavid Sullivan (born 1949), publisherDavid Alfred Thomas (1856–1918), industrialist
Explorers
Film directors
Humourists
Bennett Arron (born 1973), comedian, writer, actor, and television presenterMax Boyce (born 1945), entertainerConnor Colquhoun (born 1996), voice actor, YouTube content creator, and co-host of Trash Taste Tommy Cooper (1922–1984), comedian and magicianLee Dainton (born 1973), Dirty Sanchez Greg Davies (born 1968), comedian and host of Taskmaster (TV series) Ryan Davies (1937–1977), comedian and singerRhod Gilbert (born 1968), comedian and BBC Radio Wales personalityTerry Jones (1942–2020), comedian (Monty Python Gladys Morgan (1898–1983), comedianTessie O'Shea (1913–1997), stand-up comedianMathew Pritchard , Dirty Sanchez television seriesGriff Rhys Jones (born 1953), comic writer, actor, and presenterHarry Secombe (1921–2001), comedian, actor, singer, and television presenterPaul Whitehouse (born 1958), writer and actorRonnie Williams (1939–1997), actor and comedian
Inventors
Journalists and broadcasters
Gomer Berry, 1st Viscount Kemsley (1883–1968), newspaper publisherWilliam Berry, 1st Viscount Camrose (1879–1954), newspaper publisherJeremy Bowen (born 1960), journalist and broadcasterDerek Brockway (born 1967), chief meteorologist for BBC Wales Today Toby Charles , soccer commentator for hit PBS television show Soccer Made in Germany Grace Coddington (born 1941), fashion journalist and stylist from AngleseyHugh Cudlipp (1913–1998), editorial director of Mirror Group Josie d'Arby (born 1972), radio broadcaster and television presenterHuw Llywelyn Davies (born 1945), presenter and rugby union commentatorRussell Davies (born 1946), radio presenterHuw Edwards (born 1961), journalist and co-anchor of BBC News at Ten Sara Edwards (born 1961), broadcast journalist and television presenterDewi Griffiths (born 1931), former presenter of BBC Radio Wales' A String of Pearls Arfon Haines Davies (born 1948), television presenter and continuity announcerGuto Harri (born 1966), BBC political correspondentJohn Humphrys (born 1943), journalist and broadcasterCiaran Jenkins (born 1984), journalist and broadcaster from Merthyr TydfilGareth Jones (1905–1935), first to publicise the existence of the Holodomor in the Western worldGareth Jones a.k.a. Gaz Top (born 1961), presenter and broadcasterGethin Jones (born 1978), presenterKarl Jones (born 1988), BBC journalistSteve Jones (born 1977), presenterMartyn Lewis (born 1945), presenterSiân Lloyd (born 1958), meteorologist, former ITV weather presenterSian Lloyd , broadcast journalist and BBC television news presenterAngus McDermid (1920–1988), BBC journalist and broadcasterJohnny Morris (1919–1999), television presenter of BBC's Animal Magic Mavis Nicholson (1930–2022), writer and TV broadcasterJamie Owen (born 1967), broadcast journalist and co-anchor for BBC Wales Today Allison Pearson (born 1960), journalist and authorKeidrych Rhys (1915–22 May 1987), journalist and editor of the periodical Wales Paul Starling (born 1951), journalist and broadcaster who worked at HTV Wales and BBC Wales before becoming political editor of the Welsh Daily MirrorWynford Vaughan-Thomas (1908–1987), BBC World War II reporter and journalistHuw Wheldon (1916–1986), journalist and broadcasterIolo Williams (born 1962), wildlife expert and presenterSiân Williams (born 1964), BBC news and current affairs presenterLucy Owen (born 1970) television presenter and radio presenter
Military men and women
Morys Bruce , 4th Baron Aberdare, served in World War II , later active politician and Privy Councillor Malcolm Douglas-Pennant, 6th Baron Penrhyn (1908–2003), honoured as an MBE after the invasion of Sicily in World War IIRhys ap Thomas (1449–1525), Governor of Wales. Well known for killing King Richard III Hugh Evan-Thomas (1862–1928), Royal Navy Vice-Admiral Ellis Humphrey Evans ("Hedd Wyn") , a poet, died in the Third Battle of Ypres during World War I William Charles Fuller (1884–1974), first Welshman to be awarded the Victoria Cross during World War IDafydd ap Llewelyn ap Hywel, better known as Dafydd Gam (c. 1380–1415), prominent opponent of Owain Glyndŵr
Owain Lawgoch or Yvain de Galles (c. 1300–1378), mercenary and titular Prince of WalesT. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) (1888–1935), soldierHubert William Lewis (1896–1977), awarded the Victoria Cross John Wallace Linton , Royal Navy Commander, awarded the Victoria Cross Sir Thomas Picton (1758–1815), Lieutenant-GeneralTasker Watkins (Major) (1918–2007), first Welshman to be awarded the Victoria Cross during World War II, former President of the Welsh Rugby Union and former Lord Justice of Appeal and deputy Lord Chief JusticeSimon Weston (born 1961), soldier and broadcasterJohn Williams (1857–1932), born John Fielding, awarded the Victoria Cross Roger Williams (c. 1537–1595), soldierRobert James Bye (1889–1962), a Welsh recipient of the Victoria Cross and Soldier in both World War I and World War II .
Models
Sian Adey-Jones (born 1957), model, 2nd runner-up Miss Universe (1976)Kim Ashfield (born 1959), 4th runner-up Miss World (1980)Amy Guy (born 1983), Miss Sport award at Miss World 2004 , representing Wales, one of the Gladiators Rosemarie Frankland (1943–2000), Miss World (1961)Claire Evans (born 1983), Miss Wales (2005)Chloe-Beth Morgan (born 1986), Miss Wales (2008)Helen Morgan (born 1952), Miss World (1974)Kate Alicia Morgan (born 1983), modelSophie Moulds (born 1992), 1st runner-up Miss World 2012 , representing WalesKelly-Louise Pesticcio , Miss Wales (2007)Imogen Thomas (born 1982), Miss Wales (2003) and Big Brother contestant
Monarchs and princes
Cadwallon ap Cadfan (died 633), King of Gwynedd Cunedda (fl. 400–450), King of GwyneddDafydd ap Gruffudd (died 1283), Prince of Wales Gruffudd ap Cynan (c. 1035–1137), King of GwyneddGwenllian of Wales (1282–1337), daughter of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd (1097–1137), Princess Consort of DeheubarthHenry VII of England (1457–1509), first king of the Tudor dynasty , born in Pembroke Hywel Dda (887–950), Prince of Deheubarth Idwal Iwrch (c. 650–720), King of GwyneddLlywelyn the Great (1173–1240), Prince of WalesLlywelyn ap Gruffudd (c. 1225–1282), Llywelyn Ein Llyw Olaf (Llywelyn, Our Last Leader Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor (m.1236), Prince of Powys Fadog Maelgwn Gwynedd (c. 490–547), Prince of GwyneddOwain Glyndŵr (1359–1416), Prince of WalesOwain Gwynedd (1100–1170), King of GwyneddRhodri Mawr (c. 820–878), King of Gwynedd and DeheubarthThe Lord Rhys (1132–1197), Prince of DeheubarthTrahaearn ap Caradog (died 1081), King of Gwynedd
Musicians
Ivor Atkins (1869–1953), organistLincoln Barrett (born 1979), aka High ContrastDame Shirley Bassey (born 1937), singerWally Bishop (1894–1966), 'Waldini', band leader and impresarioJames Dean Bradfield (born 1969), guitarist and lead singer (Manic Street Preachers )Delme Bryn-Jones (1934–2001), baritoneStuart Burrows (born 1933), tenorStuart Cable (1970–2010), drummer (formerly with Stereophonics )John Cale (born 1942), musician (Velvet Underground )Phil Campbell (born 1961), lead guitarist of Motörhead Charlotte Church (born 1986), singerSteffan Cravos (born 1975), rapperHenry Walford Davies (1869–1944), composer, Master of the King's Music Grace Gwyneddon Davies , (1878 – 1944) folk song collectorSpencer Davis (1939–2020), musicianMarina Diamandis (born 1985), singer-songwriter known by her stage name Marina and the DiamondsAimée Ann Duffy (born 1984), singer-songwriter, stage name DuffyGeoff Eales , jazz pianistSteve Eaves (born 1952), poet, singer-songwriterDave Edmunds (born 1944), singer-songwriter, musician and Rockfield Studios pioneerRichey Edwards (born 1967), musician (Manic Street Preachers )Dave Evans , former lead singer AC/DC Geraint Evans (1922–1992), opera singerWynne Evans (born 1972), tenorAndy Fairweather-Low (born 1948), singer, formerly with Amen Corner Catrin Finch (born 1980), harpistRoger Glover (born 1945), musician (Deep Purple )Larry Goves (born 1980), composerJemma Griffiths (born 1975), singer-songwriterPete Ham (1947–1975), musician (Badfinger )Alun Hoddinott (born 1929), composerMary Hopkin (born 1950), singerOwain Arwel Hughes (born 1942), orchestral conductorDavid Russell Hulme (born 1951), conductorRobert ap Huw (c.1580–1665), harpistDafydd Iwan (born 1943), singer-songwriterEvan James (1809–1878), composed the lyrics of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau James James (1833–1902), harpist and musician, composed the tune of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau Karl Jenkins (born 1944), composerKatherine Jenkins (born 1980), singerAled Jones (born 1970), singer, former boy treble, now baritone/tenor; also radio and TV presenter, actorDaniel Jones (1912–1993), composerDella Jones (born 1946), singerGwyneth Jones (born 1936), singerKelly Jones (born 1974), lead singer and guitarist (Stereophonics )Parry Jones (1891–1963), singerTom Jones (born 1940), singerMartyn Joseph (born 1960), singer-songwriterPeter Karrie (born 1946), singerCate Le Bon (born 1983), singer-songwriterJon Lee (1968–2002), drummer with rock band Feeder Donna Lewis (born 1973), singer, musicianJayce Lewis (born 1984), singer-songwriterLustmord (born Brian Williams), electronic musician often credited for creating the dark ambient genreDai Maesmor (16th-century), harpistWilliam Mathias (1934–1992), composerCerys Matthews (born 1969), singer-songwriter, documentary maker, broadcaster, authorElaine Morgan , singerOwen Morris (born 1968), music producer and engineerGrant Nicholas (born 1967), guitarist, singer with rock band FeederIvor Novello (1893–1951), actor, composer, dramatist, producer and singerTessie O'Shea (1913–1995), entertainerPino Palladino (born 1957), bassistDonald Peers (1908–1973), singerMike Peters (born 1959), singer for rock band The Alarm Mal Pope (born 1960), singer-songwriterMargaret Price (born 1941), singerGruff Rhys (born 1970), lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist (Super Furry Animals )Timothy John Rishton , organist, author, lecturer and broadcasterSasha (born 1969), DJGwenno Saunders (born 1981), singerJames Sauvage (1849–1922), singerAndy Scott-Lee (born 1980), singer (3SL )Lisa Scott-Lee (born 1975), singer (3SL and Steps )Harry Secombe (1921–2001), entertainerChris Slade (born 1946), rock drummer with Australian Hard Rock band AC/DC Rick Smith (born 1959), keyboards and mixing, a member of British Electronic Group Underworld Sbardun (Alun Huws) (1948–2014), musician and songwriterDavid Spencer (born 1939), singer, stage name Ricky Valance
Henry Spinetti (born 1951), drummerDorothy Squires (1915–1998), singerAlison Statton (born 1959), singer (Young Marble Giants )Meic Stevens (born 1942), singer-songwriterShakin' Stevens (born 1948), singerSteve Strange (born 1959), singerRobert Tear (born 1939), tenorBryn Terfel (born 1965), baritone opera singerThighpaulsandra (born Tim Lewis), musician, composerJohn Thomas (1826–1913), harpist and composerLynda Thomas (born 1981), musician, singer-songwriterMansel Thomas (1909–1986), composerBonnie Tyler (born 1951), singerIan Watkins (born 1977), lead singer for Lostprophets Ian Watkins (born 1976), pop singer from Steps Grace Williams (1906–1977), composerTerry Williams (born 1948), drummer with Dire Straits Nicky Wire (born 1969), lyricist and bassist (Manic Street Preachers)Tim Wright aka. CoLD SToRAGE (born 1967), composer, singer, computer game audioDavid Wynne (1900–1983), composerIwan Rheon (born 1985), singer and musician
Bands
Adwaith (2015-), Indie-rock band from CarmarthenThe Alarm (1977–), alternative rock band from RhylAmen Corner (1966–1969), popular rock band from CardiffYr Anhrefn (1982–1995), punk rock band from BangorAnweledig (1991–), funk ska band from Blaenau FfestiniogAttack! Attack! (2006– ), alternative rock band from Caerphilly and AberdareThe Automatic (2002–), alternative rock band from CowbridgeBadfinger (1969–1975, 1978–1984), rock band from SwanseaY Bandana (2008–), alternative rock band from CaernarfonBig Leaves (1988–2003), indie rock band from WaunfawrThe Blackout (2003–), post-hardcore rock band from Merthyr TydfilY Blew (1967–), Welsh language electric pop bandBob Delyn a'r Ebillion (1988–), folk rock bandBrigyn (2004–), vocal group from GwyneddBudgie (1967–1988, reformed 1995), heavy metal band from CardiffBullet for My Valentine (1998–), metalcore band from BridgendCalan (2006–), folk band from South WalesCatatonia (1992–2001), alternative rock band from CardiffCatfish and the Bottlemen (2007–), rock band from LlandudnoColorama (2008–), alternative folk band from CardiffThe Crocketts (1996–2002), rock group from AberystwythCrys (1976–), metal band from ResolvenY Cyrff (1983–1992), Welsh language rock band from LlanrwstDatblygu (1982–1995), experimental rock bandDemented Are Go (1982–), psychobilly band from CardiffDerwyddon Dr Gonzo (2005–), funk and ska band from LlanrugDub War (1993–1999), metal band from NewportEther (1996–1999), alternative rock band from BlackwoodFeeder (1991–), rock band from NewportFfa Coffi Pawb , rock band, precursor to the Super Furry AnimalsForeign Legion (1984–), street punk band from Merthyr TydfilFuneral for a Friend (2001–), screamo/emo bandFuture of the Left (2005-), alternative rock bandGene Loves Jezebel (1980–), gothic rock bandGoldie Lookin Chain (b2000–), comedic rap band from NewportGorky's Zygotic Mynci (1991–2006), alternative rock band from CarmarthenIwcs a Doyle (1995–), acoustic bandThe Joy Formidable (2007–), alternative rock band from North WalesKids in Glass Houses (2003–), pop punk bandLlwybr Llaethog (1985–), experimental band from BlaenauLostprophets (1997–2013), rock band from PontypriddLone Star (1975–1978), hard rock band from CardiffMan (1968–1976, 1983–), progressive rock bandManic Street Preachers (1986–), alternative rock band from BlackwoodMclusky (1996–2005), alternative rock bandNeck Deep (2012–), pop punk band from WrexhamY Niwl (2009–), surf music instrumental band from GwyneddPaper Aeroplanes (2009–), alternative pop bandThe Peth (2008–), rock band from Cardiff and BethesdaThe Poppies (2003–2007), rock band from AberystwythRace Horses (2005–2013), psychedelic pop band from Aberystwyth, known as Radio Luxembourg until 2009Sibrydion (2004–), indie rock band from WaunfawrSkindred (1998–), reggae and rock band from NewportStereophonics (1992–), indie rock band from CwmamanSuper Furry Animals (1993–), rock band from CardiffTrampolene (2013–), alternative rock band from SwanseaTystion (1996–2002), hip-hop group from Carmarthen
Philanthropists
Philosophers
Politicians
William Abraham (1842–1922), Liberal–Labour and Labour , trade unionist and first working-class MPLeo Abse (1917–2008), Labour reformer of social legislationLeighton Andrews AM (born 1957), Labour, Minister in the Welsh Government Ifor Bach (fl. 1158), early Welsh leaderKenneth Baker (born 1934), Conservative Lorraine Barrett AM (born 1950), LabourJohn Batchelor (1820–1883), Liberal Aneurin Bevan (1897–1960), Labour, founder of the National Health Service Henry Bruce (1815–1895), LiberalJulian Cayo-Evans (1937–1995), political activist and leader of the Free Wales Army Christine Chapman AM (born 1956), LabourAlun Davies MS (born 1964), LabourAndrew Davies AM (born 1952), LabourDavid Davies, 1st Baron Davies (1880–1944), LiberalJocelyn Davies AM (born 1959), Plaid Cymru S. O. Davies (1886–1972), Labour Dafydd Elis-Thomas (born 1946), Plaid Cymru , former Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales Gwynfor Evans (1912–2005), Plaid Cymru 's first Member of ParliamentNerys Evans AM (born 1980), Plaid CymruNigel Evans MP Conservative Member of ParliamentChris Franks AM (born 1951), Plaid CymruJohn Frost (1784–1877), Chartist Julia Gillard (born 1961), first female Prime Minister of Australia and leader of the Australian Labor Party Janice Gregory AM (born 1955), LabourSamuel Griffith (1845–1920), first Chief Justice of Australia Jim Griffiths (1890–1975), first Secretary of State for Wales John Griffiths MS (born 1956), Labour and Counsel General for Wales Lesley Griffiths MS |AM (born 1960), LabourBenjamin Hall, 1st Baron Llanover (1802–1867), Whig , after whom Big Ben is reputedly namedEdwina Hart AM (born 1957), LabourMichael Heseltine (born 1933), Conservative Geoffrey Howe (1926 - 2015), Conservative, Foreign Secretary Billy Hughes (1862–1952), Prime Minister of Australia Cledwyn Hughes (Baron Cledwyn of Penrhos) (1916–2001), Labour Jane Hutt MS (born 1949), LabourHuw Irranca-Davies MS (born 1963), LabourIrene James AM (born 1952), LabourBethan Jenkins AM (born 1981), Plaid Cymru Roy Jenkins (1920–2003), Labour, Chancellor of the Exchequer 1967–70, founder of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) , President of the European Commission , 1976–81 and authorAlun Ffred Jones AM (born 1949), Plaid CymruAnn Jones MS (born 1953), LabourCarwyn Jones MS (born 1967), Labour, First Minister of Wales Charles William Jones (1836–1908), Welsh politician and magistrateElin Jones MS (born 1966), Plaid CymruBaron Elwyn-Jones (1909–1989), Labour Lord Chancellor also barristerIeuan Wyn Jones AM (born 1949), Plaid Cymru, Deputy First Minister of Wales William Jones (1809–1873), Chartist Neil Kinnock (born 1942), Leader of the Labour Party, 1983–92Peter Law (1948–2006), Labour, IndependentFrancis Lewis (1713–1803), signatory of the American Declaration of Independence Huw Lewis AM (born 1964), Labour Saunders Lewis (1893–1985), poet, dramatist, historian, literary critic, political activist, Welsh nationalist and a founder of what would become Plaid Cymru Val Lloyd AM , LabourDavid Lloyd George (1863–1945), Liberal , Prime Minister 1916–22Sandy Mewies AM (born 1950), LabourAlun Michael (born 1943), Labour, first First Secretary for Wales 1999–2000Rhodri Morgan AM (1939-2017), Labour, First Minister of Wales 2000–2009Paul Murphy, Baron Murphy of Torfaen (born 1946), Labour, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 2002–05Lynne Neagle MS (born 1968), LabourIfan ab Owen Edwards (1895–1970), founder of Urdd Gobaith Cymru Richard Lewis, better known as Dic Penderyn (1808–1831), Chartist
John Prescott (born 1938), Labour, Deputy Prime Minister 1997–2007Merlyn Rees (1920–2006), Labour, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 1974–1976, Home Secretary 1976–1979Henry Richard (1812–1888), LiberalIvor Richard, Baron Richard , Labour, former Leader of the House of Lords, Lord Privy Seal and European CommissionerEdward V. Robertson (1881–1963), U.S. Senator Ted Rowlands (born 1943), LabourJoan Ruddock (born 1943), LabourCarl Sargeant AM (born 1968), LabourMolly Scott Cato (born 1963), Green Party MEP and green economistKaren Sinclair AM (born 1952), LabourGeorge Thomas (1909–1997), Labour , Speaker of the House of Commons Lewis Valentine (1893–1986), pastor, author, editor, Welsh nationalist and a founder of what would become Plaid CymruThomas Vaughan (c.1410–1483), also soldier and diplomatDafydd Wigley (born 1943), former President of Plaid Cymru D. J. Williams (1885–1970), Welsh-language writer and a founder of what would become Plaid CymruMorgan B. Williams (1831–1903), Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives William Williams (1634–1700), also lawyerZephaniah Williams (1795–1874), Chartist Leanne Wood MS (born 1971), Plaid Cymru party leaderAlan Woods (born 1944), Trotskyist and writerDai Lloyd MS (born 1956), Plaid Cymru politician and GP
Saint Cadoc (born c. 497)Thomas Charles (1755–1814), Nonconformist ministerBishop Peter Collins (born 1958), Bishop-Elect of East AngliaThomas Dafydd , hymn-writerSaint David (died 601?), patron saint of WalesDavid Davies (1741–1819), clergyman and social historianReverend John Davies (Shon Gymro) (1804–1884), Welsh Congregational Minister, linguist, writer and poetElfodd (died 809) Welsh bishopSamuel Ifor Enoch (1914–2001), Principal of the United Theological College, Aberystwyth Christmas Evans (1766–1838), Nonconformist ministerSaints Philip Evans and John Lloyd , Roman Catholic priests and two of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales
Ann Griffiths (1776–1805), religious poet and hymn-writerDavid Griffiths (1792–1863), missionary to Madagascar, translator of the first Bible written in an African languageSaint Richard Gwyn (c.1537–1584)Howell Harris (1714–1773), Methodist ministerSaint Illtud (died mid-6th century)Bishop William Morgan (1545–1604), translator of the first complete Bible in Welsh (1588)Saint Patrick , patron saint of IrelandAlwyn Rice Jones (1934–2007), Bishop of St Asaph and also Archbishop of Wales Thomas Richards (priest) (c. 1687–1760), Anglican priest and canon of St Asaph's Cathedral Evan Roberts (1878–1950), Methodist preacher in the Welsh Revival John Roberts (Ieuan Gwyllt) (1822–1877), Methodist preacher and hymn-writerDaniel Rowland (1713–1790), Methodist preacher in the Welsh Revival William Salesbury (c. 1520–1584?), Welsh translator of the New TestamentJohn Tudno Williams (born 1938), Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Wales 2006–7Rheinallt Nantlais Williams (1911–1993), Principal of the United Theological College, Aberystwyth Rowan Williams (born 1950), Archbishop of Canterbury from 2003 to 2012William Richard Williams (1896–1962), Principal of the United Theological College, Aberystwyth William Williams Pantycelyn (1717–1791), hymn-writer
Scientists
Glyn Daniel (1914–1986), archaeologist, broadcasterDonald Watts Davies (1924–2000), "father of the internet"; co-inventor of packet switching (and originator of the term)Hugh Davies (1793–1821), botanist, clergymanHuw Dixon (born 1958), economistLyn Evans (born 1945), project leader of the CERN , Switzerland-based Large Hadron Collider Herbert George (1893–1939), chemist, lecturerWilliam Robert Grove (1811–1896), physicistGwilym Jenkins (1933–1982), statistician, systems engineerAlwyn Jones (born 1947), biophysicistEifion Jones (1925–2004), marine botanistEmrys Jones (1920–2006), geographerSteve Jones (born 1944), biologist, geneticist, author and television presenterWilliam Jones (1675-1749), mathematicianBrian David Josephson (born 1940), physicist, Nobel Laureate, inventor of the Josephson junctionEdward Lhuyd (1660–1709), naturalist, botanist, linguist, geographer and antiquaryRonald Lockley (1903–2000), naturalist, authorVictor Erle Nash-Williams , archaeologistRobert Recorde (1510–1558), mathematician and physician; inventor of the 'equals' sign in mathematicsGareth Roberts (1940–2007), physicistGraham Sutton (1903–1977), meteorologistLlewellyn Hilleth Thomas (1903–1992), physicist; discoverer of the 'Thomas precession' in relativity theoryJohn Meurig Thomas (1932-2020), chemistAlfred Russel Wallace (1823–1913), biologist, co-discoverer of the theory of evolution by natural selectionPhil Williams (1939–2003), astrophysicist, politician
Sports people
Athletes
John Ainsworth-Davis (1895–1976), gold medallist at the 1920 Summer Olympics Jim Alford (1913–2004), British Empire Games gold medallistSteve Barry (born 1950), Commonwealth Games gold medallistJamie Baulch (born 1973), 400m sprinter, Commonwealth Games bronze and silver medallist and silver medallist at the 1996 Summer Olympics Tim Benjamin (born 1982), Commonwealth Games silver medallistSteve Brace (born 1961), long-distance runnerGuto Nyth Brân (1700–1737), runnerLesley Brannan (born 1976), hammer throwerLynn Davies (born 1942), Olympic gold medallistTenby Davies (1884–1932), world professional half-mile championJohn Disley (born 1928), 3000 metres steeple chaserDai Greene (born 1986)Tanni Grey-Thompson (born 1969), winner of 11 gold, four silver and one bronze Olympic medalsCecil Griffiths (1901–1945), gold medallist at the 1920 Summer Olympics Venissa Head (born 1956), Commonwealth Games silver medallistColin Jackson (born 1967), hurdlerDavid Jacobs (1888–1976), gold medallist at the 1912 Summer Olympics Berwyn Jones (1940–2007), sprinter and rugby league footballerSteve Jones (born 1955), Commonwealth Games silver medallist and former marathon world record holderChristian Malcolm (born 1979), sprinterRobert Mitchell (born 1980), high jumperKay Morley-Brown (born 1963), Commonwealth Games gold medallistCatherine Murphy (born 1975), Olympic 400m runnerJonathon O'Dougherty , British National Ice Dance championCarys Parry (born 1981), Commonwealth Games hammer silver medallistBerwyn Price (born 1951), Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist, and Olympic 110-metre hurdlerTom Richards (1910–1985), silver medallist at the 1948 Summer Olympics Philippa Roles (born 1978), Commonwealth Games discus throwerMichelle Scutt (born 1960), Commonwealth Games silver medallist and bronze medallist at the 1980 Summer Olympics Steven Shalders (born 1981 in Bridgend), Commonwealth Games triple jumperTony Simmons (born 1948), Olympic 10,000-metre runnerScott Simpson (born 1979), Commonwealth Games pole vaulterIwan Thomas (born 1974), 400m sprinterReg Thomas (1907–1946), British Empire Games gold and silver medallist, and Olympic distance runnerAngela Tooby (born 1960), Commonwealth Games bronze medallistSusan Tooby (born 1960), Olympic long-distance runnerHayley Tullett (born 1975), Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medallist, and Olympic middle-distance runnerKirsty Wade (born 1962), Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and Olympic middle-distance runnerNigel Walker (born 1963), Olympic 110m high hurdler and Wales international rugby union playerNick Whitehead (1933–2002), Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and bronze medallist at the 1960 Summer Olympics J.J. Williams (born 1948), Commonwealth Games sprinter and Wales international rugby union playerRhys Williams (born 1984), Commonwealth Games bronze medallistNeil Winter (born 1973), Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Olympic pole vaulter
Badminton
Baseball players
Basketball players
British baseball players
Bowls
Boxers
Jamie Arthur (born 1979)Eddie Avoth (born 1945)Albert Barnes (1913–1990)Bill Beynon (1891–1932)Dai Bowen (died 1912, in the sinking of the RMS Titanic )Joe Calzaghe (born 1972), undefeated former WBO , WBA , WBC , IBF super middleweight and The Ring Nathan Cleverly (born 1987), former European light heavyweight title holderJason Cook (born 1975)Brian Curvis (born 1937)Dai Dower (born 1933)Jim Driscoll (1880–1925), 'Peerless' Jim Driscoll, featherweight Joe Erskine (1934–1990)Tommy Farr (1914–1986)Scott Gammer (born 1976)Colin Jones (born 1959)Enzo Maccarinelli (born 1980), former WBU cruiserweight title holder (7 defences)Johnny Owen (1956–1980)David 'Bomber' Pearce (1959–2000)Nicky Piper (born 1966)Steve Robinson (born 1968), former WBO featherweight world title holder (7 defences)Lee Selby (born 1987), IBF featherweight championJoe Cordina (born 1991), undefeated two time IBF super featherweight championTom Thomas (1880–1911), first British middleweight championFreddie Welsh (1886–1927)Jimmy Wilde (1892–1969)Howard Winstone (1939–2000)
Cricketers
Cyclists
Equestrians
Mark Aizlewood (born 1959)Ivor Allchurch (1929–1997), Wales internationalLen Allchurch (1933–2016)Dai Astley (1909–1989)Colin Baker (1934–2021)Tom Baker (born 1934)Gareth Bale (born 1989)Tommy Bamford (1905–1967)Walley Barnes (1920–1975)Craig Bellamy (born 1979), striker and Wales internationalNathan Blake (born 1972)Horace Blew (1873–1957)Paul Bodin (born 1964)Dave Bowen (1928–1995)Jason Bowen (born 1972)Mark Bowen (born 1963)Stan Bowsher (1899–1968)Terry Boyle (born 1958)Ronnie Burgess (1917–2005)Ollie Burton (born 1941)John Charles (1931–2004), the "Gentle Giant", Wales internationalMel Charles (1935–2016)Roy Clarke (1925–2006)Chris Coleman (born 1970)James Collins (born 1983)John Cornforth (born 1967)Vic Crowe (1932–2009)Alan Curtis (born 1954)Ben Davies (born 1993)Len Davies (1899–1945)Ron Davies (born 1942)Wyn Davies (born 1942)Mark Delaney (born 1976)Robert Earnshaw (born 1981)Trevor Edwards (born 1937)John Elsworthy (1931–2009)John Emanuel (born 1948)Mike England (born 1941)Carl Fletcher (born 1980)Brian Flynn (born 1955)Trevor Ford (1923–2003)Roger Freestone (born 1968)Danny Gabbidon (born 1979)Ryan Giggs (born 1973), midfielder/winger, Wales internationalDavid Giles (born 1956)Brian Godfrey (born 1940)Arfon Griffiths (born 1941)Chris Gunter (born 1989)Carl Harris (born 1956)John Hartson (born 1975)Terry Hennessey (born 1942)Wayne Hennessey (born 1987)Ron Hewitt (1928–2001)Barrie Hole (1942–2019)Mel Hopkins (1934–2010)Barry Horne (born 1962)Billy Hughes (1918–1981)Mark Hughes (born 1963), former international and Wales managerJoe Jacobson (born 1986), left back (Oldham Athletic and U21 national team)[ 3] Leighton James (born 1953)Robbie James (1957–1998)Steve Jenkins (born 1972)Roy John (1911–1973)Bryn Jones (1912–1985)Cliff Jones (born 1935)Jack Jones Joey Jones (born 1955)Ken Jones (1936–2013)Fred Keenor (1894–1972)Jack Kelsey (1929–1992)Andy King (born 1988)George Latham (1881–1939)Joe Ledley (born 1987)Ken Leek (1935–2007)Andy Legg (born 1966)Arthur Lever (1920–2004)John Lewis (born 1955)Steve Lowndes (born 1960)Billy Lucas (1918–1998)Chris Marustik (born 1961)Terry Medwin (born 1932)Andy Melville (born 1968)Billy Meredith (1874–1958)Kenny Morgans (1939–2012), survivor of the Munich air disaster Jimmy Murphy (1910–1989)Lewin Nyatanga (born 1988)Eddie Parris (1911–1971), first black player to play for WalesMark Pembridge (born 1970)Jason Perry (born 1970)Leighton Phillips (born 1949)Ivor Powell (1916–2012)Keith Pring (born 1943)Tony Pulis (born 1958), manager of West Bromwich AlbionAaron Ramsey (born 1990)Kevin Ratcliffe (born 1960)Gil Reece (born 1942)Mel Rees (1967–1993)Ronnie Rees (born 1944)Stan Richards (1917–1987)Sam Ricketts (born 1981)Osian Roberts , assistant manager of Wales Carl Robinson (born 1976)John Robinson (born 1971)Peter Rodrigues (born 1944)Ian Rush (born 1961), Liverpool F.C. 's record goal-scorer and Wales internationalDean Saunders (born 1964)Robbie Savage (born 1974)Alf Sherwood (1923–1990)Neville Southall (born 1959), goalkeeper, Wales' most capped playerGary Speed (1969–2011), Wales international footballerGary Sprake (born 1945)Fred Stansfield (1917–2014)Byron Stevenson (1956–2007), Leeds United F.C. , Birmingham City F.C. player and Wales internationalDerek Sullivan (1930–1983)Kit Symons (born 1971)Derek Tapscott (1932–2008)Billy Thomas (1903–1991)Rod Thomas (born 1947)John Toshack (born 1949), former Wales and Liverpool international and National Team managerNigel Vaughan (born 1959)Graham Vearncombe (1934–1993)Roy Vernon (1937–1993)Tony Villars (born 1952)Colin Webster (1932–2001)George Whitcombe (1902–1986)Harold Williams (1924–2014)Stuart Williams (1930–2013)Doug Witcomb (1918–1999)Terry Yorath (born 1950)
Golfers
Field hockey
Motor sports
Tom Cave (born 1991), rally driverChaz Davies (born 1987), motorcycle racerElfyn Evans (born 1989), rally driverGwyndaf Evans (born 1959), rally driverNicky Grist (born 1961), rally co-driverGary Hocking (1937–1962), motorcycle racerKarl Jones (born 1959), BTCC driverMark Jones (born 1979), motocross riderCyril Kieft (1911–2004), racing car manufacturer and driverJackie Lewis (born 1936), Formula One racing driverDavid Llewellin (born 1960), rally driverHywel Lloyd (born 1985), Formula Three racing driverIan Lougher (born 1963), motorcycle racerCharlie Martin (1913–1998), Grand Prix racing driverPhil Mills (born 1963), rally co-driverPhil Morris (born 1975), speedway riderJ. G. Parry-Thomas (1884–1927), racing driver and one time Land Speed Record holderTom Pryce (1949–1977), Formula One racing driverAlan Rees (born 1938), Formula One racing driverGareth Rees (born 1969), former racing driver and motorsport commentatorDavid Richards (born 1952), former rally co-driver and team principal of the BAR and Benetton Formula One teamsJamie Smyth (born 1976), racing driverMalcolm Uphill (d. 1999), Grand Prix motorcycle road racerFreddie Williams (1926–2013), former Speedway World Champion
Rowers
Rugby players
This list includes league, female and uncapped players
Lee Beach (born 1982), captained Wales' world cup winning sevens team (Dubai 2009)Billy Boston (born 1934), international (rugby league)Kevin Bowring , former Wales national team coachNon Evans (born 1975), also competed for Wales at judo, weightlifting and freestyle wrestlingTrevor Foster (1916–2005), international (rugby league)Lewis Jones (born 1931), international (rugby league)Rob Lewis (born 1987), Wales under 18, 19 and 20 and sevens playerAlun Wyn Jones , current captain of Wales and the Ospreys (rugby union)Mike Powell (born 1978)Jo Price (born 1985), rugby union player and former footballerMike Ruddock (born 1959), former Wales national team coachFrank Shugars , international (rugby league)Clive Sullivan (born 1943), international (rugby league)Aled Thomas (born 1985), Wales under 17, 18, 19 and 21 and sevens playerGwyn Thomas , international (rugby league)Alex Walker (born 1986), former Newport Gwent Dragons playerFrank Whitcombe , international (rugby league), Lance Todd trophy winnerLenny Woodard (born 1976), international (rugby union: non–test) (rugby league)Frank Young , international (rugby league)
Snooker players
Sport shooters
Surfers
Swimmers
Weightlifters
David Morgan (born 1964), three times Olympian, three times masters world champion and holder of three world records
Wrestlers
Trade union leaders
Writers
For Welsh writers, see:
Other notables
Helen Adams (born 1978), runner-up in Big Brother 2 Seymour Berry, 1st Baron Buckland (1877–1928), industrialistMichael Bogdanov (1938–2017), theatre directorE. G. Bowen (1900–1983), geographerBetsi Cadwaladr (1789–1860), Crimean War nurseCDawgVA (Connor Marc Colquhoun), (born 1996), Youtuber, voice actor, and philanthropistGwladys ferch Dafydd Gam (d. 1454), Seren y Fenni (Star of Abergavenny )Rees Davies (1938–2005), historianJohn Dee (born 1527), alchemistSamuel Ifor Enoch (1914–2001), theologianPiers Griffith (1568-1628), pirateJohn Gwenogvryn Evans (1852–1930), palaeographic expertTimothy John Evans (1924–1950), hanged for the murder of wife and daughter, due to a miscarriage of justice , but posthumously pardonedGeoffrey of Monmouth (c.1100–1155), churchman and historianPeter Havard-Williams (1922–1995), librarian educatorGeorge Jeffreys, 1st Baron Jeffreys (1648–1689), hanging judgeAlfred Lewis Jones (1845–1909), ship-owner and businessmanErnest Jones (1879–1958), psychoanalystJohn Geoffrey Jones (1928–2014), judge, tribunal president and chairmanPercy Mansell Jones (1889–1968), professor of French literature and historyWalter Map (c.1137–1209), medieval raconteurHoward Marks (1945−2016), drug smuggler and authorAngus McBean (1904–1990), photographerGodfrey Morgan, 1st Viscount Tredegar (1831–1913), Member of Parliament, land-owner and benefactorHenry Morgan (c.1635–1688), privateerEdward Williams (1747–1826), a.k.a. Iolo Morganwg , antiquarian
Marcus Piggott (born 1971), fashion photographer, half of duo Mert and Marcus
James Price , civil engineer, mathematician and authorDr William Price (1800–1893), eccentric physicianArwel Richards (born 1982), columnist and businessmanBartholomew Roberts (1682–1722), pirate (Black Bart or Barti Ddu)William Salesbury (c.1520–c.1600), lexicographer, phonetician and comparative linguistJames Sommerin (born c. 1978), chefJohn Tabatabai (born 1987), professional poker playerRobert Vaughan (c.1592–16 May 1667), antiquaryBryn Williams (born 1977), chefJohn Tudno Williams (born 1938), theologianWilliam Richard Williams (1896–1962), theologianThomas Wynne (1627–1691), surgeon, Quaker and friend of William Penn Mike Young (born 1945), TV producerAndrew House (born 1965), President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment (2011–2017)
See also
References
