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Edwin

♂ Boy

Pronounced ED-win /ˈɛd.wɪn/High

Meaning: From Old English Eadwine, combining ead meaning wealth, fortune, or prosperity and wine meaning friendHigh

In 30 seconds: Edwin is a dignified Anglo-Saxon name meaning 'rich friend' that survived the Norman Conquest and emerged as a lasting English classic — earnest, grounded, and quietly distinguished.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningFrom Old English Eadwine, combining ead meaning wealth, fortune, or prosperity and wine meaning friend
U.S. rank (2025)#398 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births798 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1922
Total births (all-time)≈ 247,542

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192218802025

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

History & Origin

Edwin comes from Old English Eadwine, from ead (wealth, prosperity) and wine (friend). It was a pre-Conquest Anglo-Saxon royal name, most famously borne by King Edwin of Northumbria.

After the Norman Conquest, many Old English names fell out of use, but Edwin survived and was revived during the Victorian enthusiasm for Anglo-Saxon heritage. It remains in steady use today.

Did you know? Edwin of Northumbria (c. 586–633 CE) was the first Northumbrian king to convert to Christianity, making him a pivotal figure in English history and one of the earliest bearers of this name.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Edwin — etymology and Anglo-Saxon historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

EadwineEdwynEduardo

Nicknames

EdEddieNed

Famous Bearers

  • ★Edwin Hubble (1889–1953)
    American astronomer who confirmed the existence of galaxies beyond the Milky Way; the Hubble Space Telescope is named for him.
  • ★Edwin of Northumbria (c. 586–633)
    Anglo-Saxon king, the first Northumbrian king to convert to Christianity; venerated as a saint.

If you like Edwin…

Edgar— shares the Old English Ead- element and the same Anglo-Saxon royal dignity
Edward— closest parallel: same Ead- root with a different second element, equal prestige
Oswin— another Old English -wine friend name with the same pre-Conquest elegance
Aldwin— shares the -win element and the same dignified vintage Anglo-Saxon feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Edwin mean?

Edwin means rich friend or prosperous friend from Old English ead (wealth) and wine (friend).

How do you pronounce Edwin?

It is said ED-win /ˈɛd.wɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Edwin an old name?

Yes, Edwin is an Anglo-Saxon name predating the Norman Conquest, borne by a 7th-century king of Northumbria.

What are nicknames for Edwin?

Common nicknames include Ed, Eddie, and the old-fashioned Ned.