Edgar

♂ Boy

Pronounced ED-gar /ˈɛd.ɡɑːr/High

Meaning: From Old English 'Eadgar,' composed of 'ead' (rich, fortune, prosperity) and 'gar' (spear), meaning 'rich spear' or 'fortunate spearman'; a royal Anglo-Saxon nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Edgar is a proud Anglo-Saxon name meaning 'rich spear,' borne by kings of England and the dark genius Edgar Allan Poe. Classic and slightly mysterious, it has been gaining new fans among parents who love vintage names.

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Origin HighEnglish, Old English

MeaningFrom Old English 'Eadgar,' composed of 'ead' (rich, fortune, prosperity) and 'gar' (spear), meaning 'rich spear' or 'fortunate spearman'; a royal Anglo-Saxon name

U.S. rank (2025)#486 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births617 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2005

Total births (all-time)≈ 157,202

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Edgar is from Old English Eadgar, composed of ead (rich, prosperity, fortune) and gar (spear). It was borne by Edgar the Peaceful (943–975), King of England, who is considered one of the most effective Anglo-Saxon kings. The name survived the Norman Conquest and remained in use through the medieval period.

Edgar fell from common use in the 18th and 19th centuries but was kept alive by Edgar Allan Poe's enormous literary fame. In the Hispanic community Edgar is widely used (often pronounced ed-GAR). In the United States it has been reviving as a vintage choice with genuine depth. The Édgar Awards for crime fiction are named in his honor.

Did you know? Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) — the American master of gothic horror and the short story — single-handedly gave this Anglo-Saxon name a dark, literary, and intellectually thrilling dimension that no amount of time seems to fade.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Edgar — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

EdgardoEdgard

Nicknames

EdEddieNed

Famous Bearers

★Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849)
American writer (1809–1849), pioneer of the short story and gothic horror
★Edgar the Peaceful (943–975)
King of England 943–975 AD, considered one of the greatest Anglo-Saxon kings

If you like Edgar…

Edward— shares the Old English 'ead' prosperity root and the same Anglo-Saxon royal heritage

Aldric— shares the Old English compound structure and the same rare vintage quality

Oswald— fellow Anglo-Saxon name with the same 'gar' spear element and royal heritage

Alfred— shares the 'ead/alf' prosperity root and the same Victorian-revival feel

Frequently Asked

What does Edgar mean?

Edgar means 'rich spear' or 'fortunate spearman,' from Old English 'ead' (rich, prosperous) and 'gar' (spear). It was a royal Anglo-Saxon name.

How do you pronounce Edgar?

Edgar is pronounced ED-gar /ˈɛd.ɡɑːr/ — two syllables with stress on the first. In Spanish it is often pronounced ed-GAR.

Is Edgar a popular name?

Edgar has been reviving in the U.S. and is widely used in Hispanic communities. It ranks in the top 200 boys' names when both English and Spanish usage is counted.

What is Edgar's connection to Poe?

Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) was one of America's greatest writers, pioneering the short story and gothic horror. His fame keeps Edgar perennially associated with literary darkness and genius.