Congratulations to Emeritus Professor Hywel Wyn Owen

SNSBI

 We’re delighted to congratulate Emeritus Professor Hywel Wyn Owen on receiving the Green Robes at the Gorsedd - the society of Welsh-language poets, writers, musicians, and others who have made notable contributions to the Welsh language and public life in Wales. The honour was conferred at the National Eisteddfod of Wales (August 2025).

A leading authority on Welsh place-names, Professor Owen’s scholarship and public service have shaped the field for decades. Originally from Birkenhead, he began his career teaching Latin and English at Ysgol Maes Garmon (Mold) before moving into teacher training at Coleg Normal, Bangor. At Bangor University, he established the Place-Names Research Centre, serving as its director and earning a personal chair for his contributions.

Landmark achievement: opening the Melville Richards Archive

One of Professor Owen’s most impactful projects is the digitisation of the Melville Richards Archive - more than 300,000 research slips documenting Welsh place-names, edited, organised, and made freely available to all. Explore it here: Melville Richards Archive.

For an insightful overview of his work and approach, see his article in Nomina (2006): Society for Name Studies in Britain and Ireland — Nomina.

Leadership and service

Professor Owen has served as president of:

• the Welsh Place-Name Society,

• the Society for Name Studies in Britain and Ireland (SNSBI), and

• the English Place-Name Society (EPNS).

He continues to share his expertise as a member of the Welsh Language Commissioner’s panel on place-names. A respected public speaker and cultural advocate, he remains deeply involved in local and national initiatives that promote awareness and appreciation of Welsh place-names and heritage.

Llongyfarchiadau, Professor Owen - an honour richly deserved.