Thousands of people in Wales are advocating for the country to be known exclusively as Cymru. The debate over the name of Wales was raised in a petition that garnered more than 12,000 signatures in support. The petition argued that “Wales” is a name imposed on Cymru and is not a Welsh word. It highlighted the unique language and culture of Wales, distinct from other UK countries due to its English connection.
However, a counter-petition opposing the change gained significant traction, with 5,430 signatures labelling the idea as a waste of taxpayers’ money. The debate unfolded in the Senedd’s petition committee, where similar name change examples globally were cited. For instance, in 2022, Turkey requested to be exclusively referred to by its official name, Türkiye. Furthermore, internal discussions within the Football Association of Wales revealed considerations for using Cymru instead of Wales.
In response to the petitions, the Welsh Government clarified that there were no impending plans to adopt only one name. Cabinet Secretary Jeremy Miles emphasised the importance of allowing individuals to choose whether to use “Cymru” or “Wales.” The Welsh identity is deeply intertwined with the country’s name, reflecting the nation’s heritage. While organisations like the FAW are evolving their internal language use, the official name internationally remains “Wales.”
The Senedd’s petition committee deliberated on both petitions, leaving room for further discussion. Whether the country should be referred to as Cymru or Wales will remain an open debate, respecting the linguistic diversity and heritage of Wales.