Mount Snowdon is RENAMED Yr Wyddfa and Snowdonia National Park becomes Eryri after authorities adopted the Welsh titles in response to petition signed by just 5,000 people

• The highest mountain in England and Wales has been renamed Yr Wyddfa
• The Snowdonia National Park Authority said it would use its Welsh name
• The Welsh Yr Wyddfa – which is pronounced Er Withva – means burial mound 
• Some 5,000 Welsh language enthusiasts signed the petition to change the name

It has been known as Snowdon for 1,000 years – but the highest peak in England and Wales will henceforth be known as Yr Wyddfa.

Following a 5,000-name petition, the Snowdonia National Park Authority yesterday agreed to use the Welsh name for the 1,085m (3,560ft) peak in its English language literature as well.

It will also use the Welsh name Eryri for Snowdonia, it said.

Critics had said the proposed name change – championed by Welsh language enthusiasts – was ‘confusing’ and a backward step when the name Snowdon was known ‘throughout the world’.

Following a 5,000-name petition, the Snowdonia National Park Authority yesterday agreed to use the Welsh name for the 1,085m (3,560ft) peak in its English language literature as well

Naomi Jones, its head of ‘cultural heritage’, said: ‘By referring to our most renowned landmarks by their Welsh names we give people from all over the world the opportunity to engage with the Welsh language and its rich culture’

But supporters said scrapping the English name – meaning ‘snow hill’ – showed ‘respect’ for the Welsh language.

The Welsh name, which is pronounced ‘Er Withva’ and means ‘burial mound’, has long been used in Welsh translations.

But the national park will now use Yr Wyddfa and Eryri in English ‘contexts’ as well.

Naomi Jones, its head of ‘cultural heritage’, said: ‘By referring to our most renowned landmarks by their Welsh names we give people from all over the world the opportunity to engage with the Welsh language and its rich culture.’ However the park will continue to use the name Snowdonia for official purposes as this is a statutory requirement.

A formal branding ‘review’ next year will determine exactly how the name changes are put into effect.

The renaming has echoes of Australia’s decision in 1993 to include the aboriginal name for Ayers Rock in its title.

The giant sandstone monolith, now officially known as Uluru/ Ayers Rock, was named after Australian premier Sir Henry Ayers in 1872.

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