Welsh language poetry has, until quite recently, been regulated by specific verse forms, with the encouragement of the eisteddfod movement. The best known Welsh language poets include:

• Dafydd ap Gwilym (about 1320 - about 1370)
• Dilys Cadwaladr
• Grahame Davies
• Menna Elfyn
• Gwerful Mechain
• John Ceiriog Hughes
• Saunders Lewis (1893-1985)
• Alan Llwyd (current)
• Neirin mab Dwyrei (Aneirin)
• T E Nicholas (Niclas Glais)
• Taliesin
• Edward Williams (Iolo Morganwg)
• Waldo Williams (1904-1971)
• William Williams Pantycelyn
• 'Hedd Wyn' (1887-1917)