Nudd is a Welsh masculine given name, also used as a surname, that is a cognate of the Irish mythological name Nuada. In Welsh legend, Nudd appears in early poetry and the medieval tale Culhwch and Olwen, where he is recorded as the father of Gwyn, a figure associated with the Otherworld. The name is sometimes conflated with the variant Lludd, as both derive from the same Celtic root. Etymology The name Nudd stems from the Common Celtic name *Nodens, which is the root of the Germanic [clarification needed] †Nōþ. In Irish mythology, Nuada (also spelled Nuadha or Nuadu) was the first king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, who lost his arm in battle and had it replaced with a silver one, earning the byname Airgetlám ("silver hand"). The Welsh form likely underwent phonological shifts, appearing as both Nudd and Lludd in medieval sources. Cultural and Mythological Significance Nudd is primarily attested in Welsh literary tradition. In the triads and early poetry, he is a figure of the Otherworld, and his son Gwyn ap Nudd is the king of the Tylwyth Teg (fairy folk) and a psychopomp. The Culhwch and Olwen narrative (circa 1100s) lists Nudd among the warriors of Arthur's court, though his role is minor. The orthographic variant Lludd is used in other branches of Welsh tradition, such as Lludd Llaw Eraint, who is a king of Britain corresponding to the Irish Nuada. Distribution and Modern Use As a given name, Nudd is rare in modern Wales. According to the 2010 United States Census, Nudd as a surname is uncommon, ranking 44,957th in frequency, with 477 bearers, predominantly White (95.39%). The name appears infrequently outside Welsh or Celtic contexts, occasionally used as a given name among enthusiasts of Welsh mythology. Meaning: Cognate of Nuada, likely derived from the Celtic *Nodens Origin: Welsh Type: Given name (masculine) and surname Usage: Welsh, with minor distribution in other regions