15 Places That Don't Mean What You Think: Explained
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
Welsh
/ˈwɛlʃ/

Wales is a constituent country of the United Kingdom, with Cardiff as its capital and a government with devolved powers. Welsh, known as Cymraeg, has official status alongside English and is spoken by a sizeable minority of the population. Wales is known for its castles, which include some of the most impressive medieval fortresses in Europe, as well as its passion for rugby and its tradition of choral singing. The Snowdonia mountains, called Eryri in Welsh, offer dramatic peaks, lakes, and hiking trails in the north. Visitors can explore the coastal paths of Pembrokeshire, the historic towns of the valleys, and Cardiff's castle and waterfront. Wales offers a distinctive culture and stunning landscapes for travelers. Its friendly communities, historic towns, and lively events make it a rewarding stop.
Want to explore where Welshs live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
From the Old English 'wealh', meaning 'foreigner' or 'Romanized Briton', the name Anglo-Saxons gave to the Celtic people of Britain. The country calls itself Cymru.
Other places in the region and their demonyms
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
From Montenegro to Naples, these 20 place names that were literally translated show how languages rebuild geography — and what the originals mean.
Want to explore where Welshs live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Challenge yourself with our demonym quizzes and see how many you can get right!
Take a Quiz →Challenge yourself with our demonym quizzes and see how many you can get right!
Take a Quiz →