Last updated: March 2026

Character Name

Emrys

Meaning — Welsh form of the Late Latin "Ambrosius", from the Greek "ambrosios" meaning "immortal" or "divine", from "ambrotos" (immortal). Emrys is most famous as the Welsh name of the legendary wizard Merlin, who appears as "Myrddin Emrys" in Welsh tradition — the prophetic magician who serves as counsellor to Uther Pendragon and Arthur. The name carries associations with prophecy, hidden knowledge, and sacred power.·Welsh origin·Male·EM-ris

Emrys Emrys is the name of the hidden sage — a figure whose true nature and power are concealed beneath an ordinary surface until the decisive moment. The Merlinian associations give the name an aura of prophecy, long-view thinking, and the willingness to manipulate events from the shadows in service of a greater good. Characters named Emrys are typically the wisest person in any room, operating on a timeline that stretches beyond the concerns of ordinary mortals.

Best genres for Emrys

FantasyMythologyHistorical FictionYoung AdultAdventure

Famous characters named Emrys

Merlin (Myrddin Emrys)

The History of the Kings of Britain Geoffrey of Monmouth

The legendary wizard and prophet, born of supernatural parentage, who engineers the birth of Arthur and serves as the greatest counsellor in British mythology.

Emrys

The Dark Is Rising sequence Susan Cooper

The Old One who appears as Merlin's modern embodiment, central to this celebrated Welsh-inflected fantasy series for young adults.


Variations & nicknames

EmrysAmbrosiusAmbrose

Pairs well with

Emrys ap MerlinusEmrys LlewellynEmrys MorganEmrys LloydEmrys TudorEmrys Griffiths

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