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Edwin Boy

Popularity: #356 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationED-win / ˈɛd.wɪn

Old English; Anglo-Saxon

Meaning

wealthy friend; prosperous friend

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Edwin has its roots in Old English, deriving from the elements "ead," meaning "wealth, fortune, or prosperity," and "wine," which translates to "friend." This etymological composition suggests a meaning akin to "wealthy friend" or "prosperous friend." The name was recorded in various forms, such as Eadwine and Edwine, before settling into its modern form, Edwin, as it transitioned through Middle English. The name entered the English lexicon during the early medieval period, influenced by the spread of Christianity and the establishment of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in England.

Historically, Edwin is notably associated with Edwin of Northumbria, a prominent king who reigned from approximately 616 to 633 CE. He is recognized for his role in the early Christianization of England, having been baptized by the missionary Paulinus. Edwin's reign marked a significant period in the consolidation of power among the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and his legacy is preserved in various historical texts, including Bede's "Ecclesiastical History of the English People," written in the 8th century. The name Edwin was further popularized by its use in royal circles and among the nobility throughout the medieval period.

Culturally, Edwin has been embraced in various literary works and folklore, often symbolizing nobility and leadership. The name has appeared in several historical narratives and has been associated with figures of virtue and strength. Additionally, the diminutive form "Eddie" has emerged in more recent times, although its use is less significant in historical contexts. The enduring appeal of the name Edwin can be attributed to its rich historical associations and the positive connotations of its meaning, which resonate with ideals of friendship and prosperity.

Trend Summary

Edwin has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable decline since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Ed
  • Win

International Variants

  • Édouard (French)
  • Edoardo (Italian)
  • Eduardo (Spanish)

Famous people named Edwin

Edwin Aldrin is an astronaut best known for Apollo 11, Gemini 12, and being the second person to walk on the Moon.

Edwin Booth was an actor best known for his performances in Hamlet, Othello, and Richard III.

Edwin Land is an inventor best known for founding Polaroid Corporation and inventing instant photography.

Edwin Arlington Robinson was a poet best known for his works such as Richard Cory, Miniver Cheevy, and The Man Who Died.

Edwin S. Porter was a film director best known for The Great Train Robbery, Life of an American Fireman, and The Teddy Bears' Picnic.

Edwin Hubble was an astronomer best known for Hubble's Law, the discovery of galaxies beyond the Milky Way, and the Hubble Space Telescope.

Edwin McMillan was a physicist best known for his work on the discovery of plutonium and the development of the cyclotron.

Edwin Moses is a former hurdler best known for winning gold medals in the 400m hurdles at the 1976 and 1984 Olympics.

Edwin van der Sar is a former footballer best known for his time at Ajax, Juventus, and Manchester United.

Edwin P. Hubble was an astronomer best known for his contributions to the field of extragalactic astronomy and the Hubble Space Telescope.

Fictional characters named Edwin

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Edwin was first seen in the United States in 1880. Edwin has ranked as high as #122 nationally, which occurred in 1922, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Edwin has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Edwin (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 116
15%
CA 111
14%
FL 48
6%
NY 42
5%
IL 34
4%
PA 33
4%
GA 28
4%
WA 26
3%
OH 24
3%
VA 24
3%
TN 23
3%
AZ 22
3%
MD 22
3%
WI 21
3%
NC 19
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880309
1881274
1882305
1883299
1884308
1885289
1886313
1887310
1888298
1889306
1890323
1891327
1892338
1893354
1894366
1895346
1896351
1897380
1898391
1899329
1900350
1901299
1902393
1903347
1904388
1905357
1906390
1907468
1908477
1909492
1910536
1911699
19121,518
19131,825
19142,386
19153,151
19163,299
19173,346
19183,487
19193,450
19203,734
19213,750
19223,827
19233,652
19243,788
19253,560
19263,491
19273,390
19283,166
19292,897
19302,972
19312,704
19322,568
19332,328
19342,348
19352,257
19362,271
19372,263
19382,249
19392,063
19402,116
19412,213
19422,295
19432,388
19442,238
19451,948
19462,380
19472,590
19482,434
19492,373
19502,487
19512,569
19522,632
19532,644
19542,551
19552,666
19562,772
19572,713
19582,601
19592,579
19602,472
19612,447
19622,406
19632,234
19642,168
19651,907
19661,872
19671,667
19681,686
19691,776
19701,725
19711,525
19721,397
19731,321
19741,167
19751,240
19761,183
19771,283
19781,230
19791,285
19801,295
19811,334
19821,340
19831,193
19841,347
19851,329
19861,344
19871,405
19881,554
19891,761
19901,817
19911,968
19921,808
19931,823
19941,801
19951,686
19961,585
19971,605
19981,703
19991,678
20001,802
20011,987
20022,147
20032,171
20042,354
20052,306
20062,671
20072,396
20082,261
20091,980
20101,703
20111,524
20121,308
20131,235
20141,187
20151,149
20161,105
20171,034
20181,005
2019962
2020931
2021921
2022917
2023830
2024850