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Ned Boy

Popularity: #913 · Trend: → Stable

Origin(s)

PronunciationNed / /nɛd/

English; Dutch

Meaning

English: Wealthy guardian; Dutch: Brave

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Ned is derived from the Old English name "Eadweard," which means "wealthy guardian." This name evolved through various linguistic stages, transitioning from Old English to Middle English as "Edward." The diminutive form "Ned" emerged as a familiar or affectionate variant of Edward, particularly in the late medieval period. The transformation from Edward to Ned likely involved phonetic simplification and the use of diminutive suffixes common in English naming practices, reflecting a broader trend in the evolution of personal names during this time.

Historically, the name Edward has significant roots, notably associated with several English kings, including Edward the Confessor, who reigned in the 11th century and was canonized as a saint. His reign is marked by the construction of Westminster Abbey, which became a significant site for English royalty. The name Edward gained further prominence through the use of the name in literature and historical texts, including the King James Bible, which was published in 1611 and contributed to the standardization of many names in English-speaking cultures.

Culturally, Ned has been associated with various literary and historical figures, reinforcing its presence in English-speaking societies. For instance, Ned was a common name for characters in English literature, often embodying traits of loyalty and bravery. The name's simplicity and familiarity have allowed it to endure through centuries, making it a recognizable and affectionate form of Edward. The use of Ned in various cultural contexts, including folklore and popular literature, has contributed to its lasting resonance in the English language.

Trend Summary

Ned has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable decline in recent decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Neddie
  • Nedrick

International Variants

  • Ned (English)
  • Nedim (Bosnian)

Famous people named Ned

Ned Beatty is an actor best known for Deliverance, Network, and The Last Starfighter.

Ned Flanders is a fictional character best known as the neighbor of Homer Simpson in The Simpsons.

Ned Kelly is a historical figure best known as an Australian outlaw and folk hero.

Fictional characters named Ned

Ned Stark is a fictional character from the book series A Song of Ice and Fire and its television adaptation Game of Thrones. He is the honorable head of House Stark and serves as the Warden of the North, playing a crucial role in the early events of the story.

Ned Flanders is a fictional character from the animated television series The Simpsons. He is the overly friendly and devoutly religious neighbor of the Simpson family, often serving as a foil to Homer Simpson.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ned was first seen in the United States in 1880. Ned has ranked as high as #576 nationally, which occurred in 1939, and has been most popular in Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Indiana, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Ned has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Ned (1993)

StateBirthsShare
CA 7
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188033
188118
188233
188330
188424
188526
188635
188728
188830
188928
189049
189126
189225
189334
189442
189538
189634
189729
189835
189938
190046
190122
190232
190323
190444
190527
190632
190754
190842
190945
191045
191164
1912109
1913148
1914178
1915252
1916227
1917280
1918304
1919270
1920284
1921288
1922293
1923279
1924291
1925280
1926293
1927261
1928299
1929282
1930259
1931255
1932260
1933241
1934266
1935255
1936267
1937289
1938299
1939319
1940282
1941279
1942273
1943282
1944265
1945256
1946279
1947311
1948286
1949273
1950280
1951296
1952268
1953263
1954261
1955268
1956254
1957260
1958227
1959219
1960222
1961196
1962195
1963187
1964149
1965127
1966128
196798
1968111
1969120
197098
1971114
197274
197361
197480
197581
197677
197772
197847
197973
198073
198168
198261
198351
198446
198551
198637
198737
198842
198947
199048
199134
199237
199339
199422
199528
199615
199723
199817
199918
200015
200119
200221
200318
200423
200527
200616
200716
200812
200911
201011
201116
201212
201314
201411
201517
201610
20175
201812
201915
202017
20219
20226
202315
202411