Eider

♂ Boy

Pronounced EYE-der /ˈaɪ.dər/High

Meaning: Possibly from Basque eider (beautiful) or from Old Norse aedhr (the eider duck); exact etymology uncertainMedium

In 30 seconds: A name of uncertain Basque or Norse origin. Basque sources suggest it means 'beautiful,' while the Norse eider duck (aedhr) shares its sound. It is used primarily in Basque Country (Spain/France) and among Basque diaspora.

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Origin MediumBasque, Norse

MeaningPossibly from Basque eider (beautiful) or from Old Norse aedhr (the eider duck); exact etymology uncertain

U.S. rank (2025)#1064 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births204 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 742

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Eider may derive from Basque eider (beautiful) or from Old Norse aedhr (eider duck). It is a given name in the Basque Country of Spain and France. Its appearance in U.S. birth data is likely from Basque diaspora communities or appreciation for the distinctive sound.

Eider appeared in U.S. boys' birth data in the 2020s and ranked #1020 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? The eider duck (Somateria mollissima) is the source of eiderdown — the world's most prized natural insulating material, harvested from the duck's own nest lining without harming the birds. Iceland manages the world's largest eider duck farming tradition.

Overall data confidence 65%

U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Eidor

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

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If you like Eider…

Iker— Basque masculine name (visitor/arrival) in the same Basque naming tradition

Mikel— Basque form of Michael in the same tradition

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Ander— a fellow Basque choice

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Eider mean?

Eider may mean 'beautiful' in Basque or relate to the Norse eider duck (aedhr). The exact etymology is uncertain.

How do you pronounce Eider?

It's said EYE-der — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Eider a boy or girl name?

Eider is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Eider?

Eider ranked #1020 for U.S. boys in 2024.