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Edison

♂ Boy

Pronounced ED-ih-sun /ˈɛd.ɪ.sən/High

Meaning: English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Edd' or 'son of Ed', where Ed derives from the Old English ead (wealth, fortune) — making Edison ultimately mean 'son of the wealthy guardian'; used as a given name in honor of inventor Thomas EdisonHigh

In 30 seconds: Edison is a dignified Old English surname meaning son of the wealthy guardian, made iconic by inventor Thomas Edison. As a given name it combines intellectual prestige with a warm, approachable three-syllable sound.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningEnglish patronymic surname meaning 'son of Edd' or 'son of Ed', where Ed derives from the Old English ead (wealth, fortune) — making Edison ultimately mean 'son of the wealthy guardian'; used as a given name in honor of inventor Thomas Edison
U.S. rank (2025)#870 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births276 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2018
Total births (all-time)≈ 12,520

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201818912025

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

History & Origin

Edison is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Edd' or 'son of Ed', from the Old English personal name Eadda or Ead, a short form of names beginning with ead (wealth, fortune). As a surname it was established in England by the medieval period. Its use as a given name in the United States began in the 19th century, explicitly as a tribute to inventor Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931).

Edison has been used as a tribute name since the late 19th century, when Thomas Edison became America's most celebrated inventor. In the 21st century it has experienced a revival as parents seek names with strong intellectual and American historical associations. Its three-syllable structure, pleasant sound, and the ready nickname Eddie or Ed give it practical everyday versatility.

Did you know? Thomas Edison, who held 1,093 U.S. patents — the most by any American inventor — famously described his process as 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration, making Edison a name synonymous with the American work ethic and inventive spirit.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Edison — Old English patronymic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

EdisenEddison

Nicknames

EddieEd

Famous Bearers

  • ★Thomas Edison (1847–1931)
    American inventor who held 1,093 U.S. patents; his most notable inventions include the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and practical incandescent light bulb.

If you like Edison…

Lincoln— same genre of distinguished American historical surname given names
Emerson— shares the intellectual tribute-name quality and similar three-syllable sound
Lennon— fellow cultural-icon surname used as an aspirational given name
Darwin— same tradition of naming after great scientists and intellectuals

Frequently Asked

What does the name Edison mean?

Edison means son of Ed or son of the wealthy guardian, from Old English ead (wealth); it is used as a tribute to inventor Thomas Edison.

How do you pronounce Edison?

It is said ED-ih-sun, with three syllables.

Is Edison a popular name?

Edison has grown in popularity in the U.S. in the 21st century as a vintage tribute name.

What is the nickname for Edison?

Common nicknames include Eddie and Ed.