The Madog Center for Welsh Studies is named after Prince Madog ab Owain. Prince Madog was a younger son of Owain Gwynedd, King of North Wales, and Queen Brenda, daughter of the Lord of Camo. Little is known about Madog’s life; however, it is likely that he was born at Dolwyddelan castle in the twelfth century. Legend claims that he was hidden by his mother and raised by Pendaran, an old druid. When Queen Brenda lay dying, she told Owain about his son. Madog was sixteen years old at the time.

According to some accounts, King Owain had seventeen sons. Upon his death in 1169, his many sons began quarreling over his legacy. Rather than become involved in the ensuing civil war with his brothers, Prince Madog, a handsome and mild-mannered man, sailed from Wales in the Gwennan Gorn to seek his fortune. Upon his return to Gwynedd, he was able to convince a number of people that he had discovered a new land where people lived in peace. Many believed this new land was America. The reality of his discovery has been studied, discounted and believed. However, this legend convinced many Welsh that they had a legitimate claim to America. Plaques have been erected at the ancient port of Aber-Kerrik at Rhos-on-Sea in North Wales where Prince Madog was to have departed on his expedition, and at Mobile Bay, Alabama where many believed he first landed. The plaques spell his name Madoc, the modern Welsh spelling.

Therefore, the name “Madog Center” seems fitting for a center which promotes cultural, linguistic and other links between Wales and America.