Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Edwin is an Old English name meaning 'wealthy friend'. It evolved from Eadwine in Old English to its current form in Modern English. The name has a rich history, associated with Anglo-Saxon royalty, and has a classic image in contemporary society. It has no biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɛd.wɪn/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Edwin comes from the Old English elements 'ead' meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune' and 'wine' meaning 'friend'. Thus, it can be interpreted as 'wealthy friend' or 'rich friend'.
Meaning
wealthy friend
Language Evolution
Eadwine (Old English), Edwin (Middle English), Edwin (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Edwin was popular among the Anglo-Saxons and was borne by several kings, notably Edwin of Northumbria in the 7th century. It saw a resurgence in the 19th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Eadwin, Eddie, Ed, Edwina
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Edwin is perceived as a classic and somewhat vintage name, often associated with traditional values and heritage.
Famous People
Edwin Booth - American actor, Edwin Hubble - American astronomer, Edwin Land - American inventor and founder of Polaroid Corporation
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,849 peak births in 1922
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 4 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 53rd of 7545 | 56,500 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 87th of 6773 | 43,284 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 132nd of 7552 | 47,718 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 181st of 10718 | 23,559 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 188th of 16616 | 25,095 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 188th of 24088 | 31,596 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 330th of 23106 | 12,126 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2084th of 9107 | 304 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2568th of 9204 | 216 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3920th of 12526 | 184 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4750th of 19264 | 186 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6133rd of 27321 | 207 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 15496th of 35406 | 72 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
3.39% 48th/1416 |
3.99% 55th/1379 |
3.30% 78th/2366 |
4.47% 51st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
5.56% 86th/1546 |
4.31% 67th/1556 |
4.42% 104th/2353 |
5.95% 92nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
6.56% 146th/2227 |
3.50% 85th/2430 |
5.08% 145th/2853 |
5.69% 158th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
7.25% 213th/2937 |
2.67% 93rd/3483 |
6.14% 216th/3518 |
5.96% 241st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
7.30% 269th/3685 |
2.35% 105th/4475 |
4.68% 243rd/5194 |
2.74% 173rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
5.96% 273rd/4582 |
2.75% 142nd/5164 |
2.64% 193rd/7313 |
2.25% 168th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
9.19% 366th/3984 |
6.84% 307th/4487 |
5.00% 341st/6822 |
4.99% 313th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
100.00% 1556th/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
75.31% 1830th/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
73.41% 2557th/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
82.53% 3693rd/4475 |
- |
60.55% 3825th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 7463rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Hawaii across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 53rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 87th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 132nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 181st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 188th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 188th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 330th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2084th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2568th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3920th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4750th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6133rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15496th out of 35406 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.