Anglesey

découvrez anglesey, une île pittoresque au large du pays de galles, réputée pour ses paysages côtiers, son riche patrimoine historique et ses activités en plein air.
© Signification Noms Prenoms - Anglesey
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Anglesey, do you know it? This island at the edge of the world, or almost, at the very north of Wales. I stumbled upon it somewhat by chance, and honestly, it has a little something intriguing that you don’t suspect at first glance.

I’ve always wondered where its somewhat strange name came from. Anglesey is a mix of stories, legends, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s far from just a simple piece of land surrounded by water.

What surprised me the most? It’s that this island is connected to a Viking story, medieval pilgrimages, and even copper mines that changed the whole region. A true historical patchwork actually.

And then, speaking of tourism, Anglesey is very popular, but not the flashy kind. It’s more a destination that keeps its discreet charm, with cliffs, wild beaches, and small villages that tell a thousand stories.

Ah, and if you like long names, you’ll love Llanfairpwllgwyngyll… Yes, a real challenge to pronounce! It immediately makes you want to discover the island, doesn’t it?

The mysteries behind the origin of the name Anglesey

So, the name Anglesey is far from simple. People often think it comes from the Vikings. And for good reason, “sey” or “ey” means island in Old Scandinavian, which fits perfectly. As for “Angle,” it could be a reference to the Angles, the Germanic people who gave their name to England. But frankly, it’s a bit unclear. I also read that it was an old deformation of a Welsh word, probably. In short, several leads, no absolute certainty.

It’s fascinating to see how place names keep traces of migrations, conquests, and even small local stories buried in time.

What does Anglesey really mean? Diving into possible meanings

According to some somewhat adventurous linguists, Anglesey could mean “island of the Angles” or simply “island of the points” referring to the shapes of the coast. It’s not clear, but we can well imagine these waves of Vikings landing their boats on an island with rugged terrain. And let’s not forget that this name has crossed centuries, transforming through every era.

So, what I like is that the name evokes both wild nature and a strong historical human presence. You feel that it wasn’t just a lost land in the middle of the sea, but a place in its own right, linked to many stories.

Where do we live Anglesey today? The geographical distribution of the name

Well, actually, Anglesey is above all an island, so we’ll rather talk about its geographical role. This island is located in the northwest of Wales, it’s the largest Welsh island, very often the gateway for travelers heading to Ireland via the port of Holyhead. It’s crazy how a small piece of land can have so much strategic importance!

The English mainly know it for that, and it’s also why even though it is “small,” you will see a great highway crossing Anglesey, as if the former small village suddenly jumped into the modern race.

Variants and curiosities around the name Anglesey

To be honest, the name Anglesey does not come in a thousand forms, but in Welsh, it is called “Ynys Môn,” which is already a nice, natural variant. Place names are a bit like first names: depending on the language, they sound different.

And here, we are frankly in Celtic culture with Ynys Môn. You will often see this name in institutions, official documents, while Anglesey is used more commonly in English-speaking contexts.

Some famous personalities linked to Anglesey

Well, Anglesey is not necessarily known for its international stars, but it has produced some important Welsh personalities, especially in politics and Welsh culture. It’s the kind of island that inspires, among others, artists, poets, and even local athletes who play for the Welsh team.

I also discovered that the famous album “Yma o Hyd,” a nearly national Welsh anthem, is very linked to the spirit of Anglesey! A real concentrate of identity and local passion.

How to start your genealogical research around Anglesey?

If you have roots on the side of Anglesey, start by looking at parish registers that go back several centuries, especially in Llangefni, the administrative center of the island. The Wikipedia page on Anglesey is also a mine of info to understand local history.

And then, if you’re a bit adventurous, the Petit Futé guide on Anglesey offers leads to discover the villages and key places where ancestors might have lived. And believe me, you will want to go and explore on site, the landscapes make the genealogical quest much more vivid.

Some data and statistics on Anglesey in 2025

Nowadays, the island of Anglesey has about 70,000 inhabitants, and tourism continues to significantly boost its economy. It has become a must-visit destination for lovers of nature and history. In 2025, the island’s popularity even increased thanks to the enhancement of hiking trails and Neolithic sites, notably around Bryn Celli Ddu.

A trend I find nice: they want to both preserve the wild and historical side of Anglesey, while making the region more accessible to curious visitors. Not bad, for a small island sprucing itself up!

A trio of walks not to miss on Anglesey

  • 🌊 Hiking on Llanddwyn Island, a famous pilgrimage site and refuge of the legend of Saint Dwynwen, ideal for lovers of walks by the water.
  • 🏰 Visiting Beaumaris Castle, a 13th-century gem that is part of the world heritage and tells the story of the fortification imposed by Edward I.
  • ⛏️ Exploring Parys Mountain, a former mining mountain, rich in industrial history and with stunning landscapes colored by the metal.

For those who want to feast their eyes, I also recommend this small complete guide on what to see and do in Anglesey, a must for preparing your getaway.

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Why is Anglesey a popular tourist destination?

It is because of its varied landscapes, between cliffs, beaches, historical sites like Beaumaris Castle, and its accessible hikes like Llanddwyn Island, which attract curious visitors and nature lovers.

What is the meaning of the name Anglesey?

The name refers to Viking history with “sey” meaning island, and perhaps to the Angles, an ancient people, but this is not certain. In Welsh, it is called Ynys Môn.

How to access Anglesey?

The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, and the port of Holyhead is an important passage point for taking the ferry to Ireland. It is a strategic location for maritime travel.

What are the historical sites to visit on Anglesey?

You must not miss Beaumaris Castle, the Neolithic site of Bryn Celli Ddu, and the remains on Llanddwyn Island linked to the legend of Saint Dwynwen.

What tips for a successful hike on Llanddwyn Island?

Prefer going in the morning to avoid crowds, take good shoes, and watch out for the tide that can isolate the island from the mainland. The walk is about 6 km and very photogenic.

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