Dafydd Family Genealogy & History

Owain ap Dafydd (c. 1275 – c. 1325) was a potential claimant to the title Prince of Gwynedd, a significant historical region in Wales. As the younger son of Dafydd ap Gruffudd, the last free ruler of Gwynedd, Owain's life was marked by captivity and struggle. After his father's execution in 1283, Owain spent much of his life imprisoned, notably in Bristol Castle, where he was kept in a cage at night to prevent escape. This imprisonment was ordered by King Edward I of England, reflecting the turbulent political landscape of the time.

Owain's father, Dafydd ap Gruffudd, was a key figure in Welsh history, being the last self-proclaimed Prince of Wales. His mother, Elizabeth Ferrers, was connected to the English nobility. Owain's family lineage was deeply rooted in the historical conflicts between Wales and England, with his uncle Llywelyn ap Gruffudd also playing a prominent role as a Welsh leader until his death in 1282.

Myrddin ap Dafydd, born on 25 July 1956 in Llanrwst, north Wales, is a renowned Welsh writer, publisher, and chaired bard. Elected as the Archdruid of Wales in 2018, Myrddin has played a pivotal role in Welsh literature and culture. He founded the Gwasg Carreg Gwalch publishing company in 1980, contributing significantly to Welsh children's and adult literature. Additionally, his involvement as a director of the Cwrw Llŷn brewery and the Oriel Tonnau art gallery showcases his diverse interests. His accolades include multiple Bardic chairs at the National Eisteddfod and serving as the Welsh-language Children's Poet Laureate.

Fflur Dafydd is a renowned Welsh novelist and musician, celebrated for her contributions to literature and music in both Welsh and English. Her career highlights include winning the Literature Medal at the Urdd National Eisteddfod and the Daniel Owen Memorial Prize for her novel "Y Llyfrgell." Dafydd's diverse repertoire encompasses novels, plays, and films, with her work being adapted into a film directed by Euros Lyn. As a singer-songwriter, Dafydd has released five albums, performing across Wales and internationally. Her unique sound blends blues, soul, and pop, and she is a regular presence at festivals like the National Eisteddfod.

Fflur Dafydd is the daughter of Welsh poet Menna Elfyn and a cousin of BBC broadcaster Bethan Elfyn. She grew up in the Welsh-speaking community of Llandysul, which influenced her artistic and cultural development.

Catrin Dafydd, born around 1982, is a prominent Welsh author, scriptwriter, and poet known for her contributions to Welsh literature and television. She gained significant recognition when she was awarded the Crown at the 2018 National Eisteddfod of Wales for her poetry collection on the theme of "Olion" (Traces), which explores the concept of Welshness. Dafydd's literary career includes her first Welsh-language novel "Pili Pala" published in 2006 and her English-language novel "Random Deaths and Custard" in 2007. She has also contributed to Welsh television, co-writing the drama "Ar y Tracs" and writing for the S4C soap opera "Pobol y Cwm."

Catrin Dafydd hails from a Welsh-language family in Gwaelod y Garth, near Cardiff. She attended Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Rhydfelen, a Welsh-medium school, and pursued her higher education at the University of Aberystwyth, where she graduated with a degree in Welsh.