Ferch

Ferch is a Welsh noun meaning daughter. It is especially known from Welsh genealogies and historical texts, where it is used after a woman’s given name to indicate that she is the daughter of a named parent or ancestor. For example, “Mared ferch Urien” would be translated as “Mared, daughter of Urien.” In such constructions, ferch functions as a relational marker, contrasting with the masculine forms used for sons.

Etymology and usage in text: Ferch is native to the Welsh language and belongs to the Brythonic branch of the Celtic family. Its earliest forms are attested in medieval manuscripts, where it helps establish lineage and inheritance within noble families. The construction of a name with ferch after the daughter’s name was a standard feature of genealogical writing and courtly documentation.

Pronunciation and form: Ferch is pronounced roughly as "verkh" in modern Welsh, with the final ch representing the voiceless velar fricative typical of Welsh, similar to the ch in “loch.” In medieval and early modern texts, the spelling and punctuation may vary, but the function remains the same.

Modern usage: Today, ferch survives primarily in scholarly editions of genealogies, historical literature, and certain traditional or ceremonial name forms. In everyday modern Welsh, the word as a genealogical marker appears mainly in historical contexts rather than in routine speech.

See also: Welsh genealogy, Welsh naming conventions, Welsh language.