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Edward

♂ Boy

Pronounced ED-werd /ˈɛd.wərd/High

Meaning: Wealthy guardian; prosperous protector; from Old English ead (wealth, fortune) + weard (guard, protector)High

In 30 seconds: An Old English royal classic meaning 'wealthy guardian.' Borne by eight English kings and countless literary heroes, Edward is one of the great pillars of English naming history.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningWealthy guardian; prosperous protector; from Old English ead (wealth, fortune) + weard (guard, protector)
Peak year1924
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,288,725

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192418802017

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

History & Origin

Edward comes from the Old English Ēadweard, composed of ēad ('wealth, fortune') and weard ('guard'). It was a popular name among Anglo-Saxon royalty and survived the Norman Conquest intact, being borne by several medieval English kings. Saint Edward the Confessor (c. 1003–1066) was an especially venerated royal saint, ensuring the name's continuity.

Edward remained one of the most popular names in England from the medieval period through the 19th century. In the 20th century it declined somewhat but never fell out of fashion. In the 21st century it has benefited from associations with literary vampires (Edward Cullen in the Twilight series) and royal revival interest. It remains a top-200 U.S. name.

Did you know? Eight kings of England have borne the name Edward — from Edward the Confessor (1042–1066) to Edward VIII (1936) — making it one of the most kingly names in the English tradition.

Variations

EduardEduardoEdvard

Nicknames

EdEddieNedTed

Famous Bearers

  • ★Edward the Confessor (c. 1003–1066)
    Anglo-Saxon king of England and Catholic saint, last king of the ancient English royal line.
  • ★Edward Elgar (1857–1934)
    English composer, known for the 'Enigma Variations' and 'Pomp and Circumstance.'

If you like Edward…

Henry— fellow Old English royal name in the same august company
George— classic royal name equally associated with monarchy and literature
William— the most popular English royal name, same Anglo-Saxon heritage
Charles— long-lived English royal name with the same timeless quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Edward mean?

Edward means 'wealthy guardian' or 'prosperous protector,' from Old English ead (wealth) and weard (guard).

How do you pronounce Edward?

Edward is pronounced ED-werd (/ˈɛd.wərd/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Edward a boy or girl name?

Edward is used exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Edward?

Edward was a top-10 U.S. boys' name for much of the 20th century and remains in the top 200 today.