Hi Larry, Bala and Cynwyd are the names of two villages on the river Dee in north Wales. Bala Cynwyd in Pennsylvania is named after them. As previously noted, by John Ball, Bala is a place-name element that signifies a water route between two lakes. Cynwyd is the name of a Welsh saint that is also present in the place named Llangynwyd near Maesteg, south Wales. Best wishes, Deric John. -- websites: Place-names in south Wales - http://someplacenamesinsouthwales.4t.com Enwau Lleoedd - https://sites.google.com/site/enwaulleoedddecymru/home Dylan and the Bont - https://sites.google.com/site/dylanthomaspontardulais/home/dylan-and-the-bont