Boy · 8th of 7,545
Edward
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
1,307,348
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1924
Peak Popularity Year
21,223
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Edward stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Edward originates from Old English, meaning 'wealthy guardian'. It evolved from Eadweard in Old English to the modern form Edward. Historically, it gained popularity due to its association with English royalty. The name carries traits of nobility and protection, with no biblical relevance. Notable bearers of the name contribute to its esteemed image.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɛdwəd/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Edward is derived from the Old English elements 'ēad' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune' and 'weard' meaning 'guard' or 'protector'. Thus, it can be interpreted as 'wealthy guardian' or 'rich protector'.
Meaning
wealthy guardian
Language Evolution
Eadweard (Old English), Edward (Middle English), Edward (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Edward gained popularity in England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. It has been borne by several English kings, most notably Edward the Confessor, which helped solidify its usage in royal contexts.
Variants & Derivatives
Ed, Eddie, Edmund, Eduardo
Modern Popularity & Image
Edward is viewed as a classic and timeless name. It is often associated with nobility and tradition, and has been popular in various cultures.
Famous People
Edward I of England, Edward II of England, Edward III of England, Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, Edward Norton (actor), Edward Elgar (composer)
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 21,223 peak births in 1924
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Rhode Island
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 5 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 8th of 7545 | 309,151 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 13th of 6773 | 281,079 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 24th of 7552 | 344,518 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 36th of 10718 | 155,268 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 64th of 16616 | 88,147 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 126th of 24088 | 50,087 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 176th of 23106 | 25,851 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 855th of 9107 | 1,252 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 858th of 9204 | 1,294 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1365th of 12526 | 1,096 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1575th of 19264 | 1,002 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3409th of 27321 | 474 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 16883rd of 35406 | 60 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |