Edward Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationED-ward / /ˈɛd.wərd/Old English; Germanic
Meaning
Old English: wealthy guardian; Germanic: prosperous protector
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Edward has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements "ead," meaning wealth or fortune, and "weard," meaning guardian or protector. This etymological combination gives the name a literal meaning of "wealthy guardian." The name was introduced to England by the Anglo-Saxons and has been recorded in various forms, such as "Eadweard," before evolving into its modern form. The Norman Conquest in the 11th century further influenced its usage, as the name was adopted by the Normans and subsequently spread throughout England and other parts of Europe.
Historically, Edward has been borne by several notable figures, most prominently Edward the Confessor, who reigned as King of England from 1042 to 1066. He is remembered as a saint in the Christian tradition, and his canonization in the 12th century solidified the name's religious significance. Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts, including the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which documents the early history of England. The name's prominence continued with other royal bearers, such as Edward I and Edward III, both of whom played significant roles in English history during the medieval period.
Culturally, the name Edward has been associated with nobility and leadership, often symbolizing strength and protection. It has been used in literature and folklore, reinforcing its stature as a name of dignity and respect. The diminutive form "Eddie" has also emerged, reflecting a more familiar or affectionate usage, though it is less common in historical texts. Overall, the name Edward has maintained a lasting legacy, deeply intertwined with English history and culture.
Trend Summary
Edward has experienced fluctuating popularity in the U.S., peaking in the early 20th century and seeing a resurgence in recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Ed
- Eddie
- Ned
International Variants
- Eduardo (Spanish)
- Édouard (French)
- Edoardo (Italian)
Famous people named Edward
Edward Norton is an actor and filmmaker best known for Fight Club, American History X, and The Illusionist.
Edward Scissorhands is a fictional character best known for the film Edward Scissorhands.
Edward R. Murrow is a broadcast journalist best known for See It Now and his reporting during World War II.
Edward Abbey is an author and environmentalist best known for Desert Solitaire and The Monkey Wrench Gang.
Edward Albee is a playwright best known for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, The Zoo Story, and A Delicate Balance.
Edward James Olmos is an actor and director best known for Stand and Deliver, Miami Vice, and Battlestar Galactica.
Edward I of England is a historical figure best known for his role in the conquest of Wales and the Scottish Wars of Independence.
Edward Van Halen is a musician best known as the guitarist for the rock band Van Halen.
Edward Gorey is an author and illustrator best known for his distinctive style and works such as The Gashlycrumb Tinies.
Edward Snowden is a whistleblower best known for leaking classified NSA documents.
Fictional characters named Edward
Edward Elric is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Fullmetal Alchemist. He is a talented alchemist who embarks on a journey to restore his and his brother's bodies after a failed alchemical experiment.
Edward Cullen is a fictional character from the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. He is a vampire who falls in love with a human girl named Bella Swan, leading to a complex relationship filled with supernatural challenges.
Edward Hyde is a fictional character from the novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. He is the violent and immoral alter ego of Dr. Jekyll, representing the darker side of human nature.
Edward Nygma is a fictional character from the DC Comics universe, primarily known as the Riddler. He is a criminal mastermind who uses riddles and puzzles to challenge Batman and commit his crimes.
Edward Kenway is a fictional character from the video game series Assassin's Creed. He is a pirate and assassin during the Golden Age of Piracy, playing a key role in the conflict between the Assassins and Templars.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Edward was first seen in the United States in 1880. Edward has ranked as high as #15 nationally, which occurred in 1924, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, and Massachusetts. In the past 5 years the name Edward has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Edward (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 174 | |
TX | 128 | |
NY | 103 | |
FL | 86 | |
IL | 77 | |
PA | 71 | |
GA | 59 | |
MA | 54 | |
MI | 53 | |
OH | 51 | |
NC | 46 | |
VA | 41 | |
WI | 38 | |
TN | 38 | |
MD | 35 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 2,364 |
1881 | 2,177 |
1882 | 2,477 |
1883 | 2,250 |
1884 | 2,439 |
1885 | 2,220 |
1886 | 2,312 |
1887 | 2,125 |
1888 | 2,470 |
1889 | 2,299 |
1890 | 2,282 |
1891 | 1,989 |
1892 | 2,416 |
1893 | 2,309 |
1894 | 2,179 |
1895 | 2,203 |
1896 | 2,296 |
1897 | 2,121 |
1898 | 2,337 |
1899 | 1,901 |
1900 | 2,720 |
1901 | 1,917 |
1902 | 2,294 |
1903 | 2,268 |
1904 | 2,335 |
1905 | 2,366 |
1906 | 2,398 |
1907 | 2,576 |
1908 | 2,707 |
1909 | 2,935 |
1910 | 3,407 |
1911 | 4,164 |
1912 | 7,936 |
1913 | 9,474 |
1914 | 12,319 |
1915 | 15,889 |
1916 | 17,005 |
1917 | 17,501 |
1918 | 19,489 |
1919 | 18,536 |
1920 | 20,097 |
1921 | 20,817 |
1922 | 20,419 |
1923 | 20,597 |
1924 | 21,126 |
1925 | 20,090 |
1926 | 19,375 |
1927 | 19,114 |
1928 | 18,492 |
1929 | 17,220 |
1930 | 17,351 |
1931 | 15,647 |
1932 | 15,190 |
1933 | 13,797 |
1934 | 13,917 |
1935 | 13,844 |
1936 | 14,194 |
1937 | 14,930 |
1938 | 14,550 |
1939 | 14,428 |
1940 | 14,404 |
1941 | 15,581 |
1942 | 17,469 |
1943 | 17,713 |
1944 | 16,481 |
1945 | 15,871 |
1946 | 18,585 |
1947 | 20,539 |
1948 | 18,983 |
1949 | 19,172 |
1950 | 18,715 |
1951 | 19,913 |
1952 | 19,504 |
1953 | 18,984 |
1954 | 19,493 |
1955 | 19,280 |
1956 | 19,437 |
1957 | 18,711 |
1958 | 17,375 |
1959 | 16,916 |
1960 | 16,592 |
1961 | 15,876 |
1962 | 15,515 |
1963 | 15,320 |
1964 | 15,608 |
1965 | 14,411 |
1966 | 13,277 |
1967 | 12,653 |
1968 | 12,276 |
1969 | 12,452 |
1970 | 12,278 |
1971 | 11,061 |
1972 | 9,295 |
1973 | 8,359 |
1974 | 7,820 |
1975 | 7,380 |
1976 | 7,048 |
1977 | 6,840 |
1978 | 6,480 |
1979 | 6,875 |
1980 | 6,763 |
1981 | 6,661 |
1982 | 6,281 |
1983 | 6,005 |
1984 | 5,914 |
1985 | 5,869 |
1986 | 5,779 |
1987 | 5,911 |
1988 | 5,801 |
1989 | 5,849 |
1990 | 5,746 |
1991 | 5,572 |
1992 | 5,233 |
1993 | 4,790 |
1994 | 4,520 |
1995 | 4,143 |
1996 | 4,073 |
1997 | 3,915 |
1998 | 3,575 |
1999 | 3,597 |
2000 | 3,485 |
2001 | 3,376 |
2002 | 3,244 |
2003 | 3,114 |
2004 | 3,154 |
2005 | 2,975 |
2006 | 2,871 |
2007 | 2,827 |
2008 | 2,794 |
2009 | 2,987 |
2010 | 2,905 |
2011 | 2,671 |
2012 | 2,597 |
2013 | 2,709 |
2014 | 2,591 |
2015 | 2,601 |
2016 | 2,517 |
2017 | 2,327 |
2018 | 2,286 |
2019 | 2,053 |
2020 | 1,950 |
2021 | 1,748 |
2022 | 1,751 |
2023 | 1,734 |
2024 | 1,584 |