The name Edward is a classic and timeless choice for boys, with roots deeply embedded in English history. Originating from the Old English elements "ead," meaning "wealth" or "fortune," and "weard," meaning "guardian" or "protector," Edward conveys the sense of a prosperous guardian. This name has been borne by numerous kings and notable figures throughout history, including the legendary King Edward I of England. In terms of pronunciation, it remains consistent across English-speaking regions as ED-werd (/ˈed.wəd/ or /ˈed.wɚd/). Common variations include Ed and Eddie, offering more casual alternatives for everyday use. Despite its royal connotations, Edward has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States over the years, ranking as high as 8th in the early 20th century but gradually settling into lower ranks by 2023. Nevertheless, its enduring charm continues to make it a favored choice among parents seeking a name that exudes both strength and elegance.
Edward Joseph Snowden is an American and naturalized Russian citizen known for leaking highly classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013, sparking a global discussion about national security and individual privacy. |
Edward II of England - Edward II, also known as Edward of Caernarfon, was the King of England from 1307 until his deposition in January 1327, succeeding his father Edward I and marrying Isabella of France to resolve tensions between the English and French crowns. |
Edward III of England - Edward III, also known as Edward of Windsor, was a successful and influential King of England known for his military prowess and long reign. |
Edward the Black Prince - Edward of Woodstock, also known as the Black Prince, was the eldest son of King Edward III of England and a renowned English commander during the Hundred Years' War. |
Sir Edward William Elgar, 1st Baronet, was a renowned English composer known for his orchestral works and choral compositions, including the Enigma Variations and The Dream of Gerontius. |
Edward I of England - Edward I, also known as Edward Longshanks and the Hammer of the Scots, was a powerful King of England from 1272 to 1307, known for his involvement in political intrigues and military conflicts. |
Edward VII was the King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, as well as the Emperor of India, from 1901 until his passing in 1910. |
Edward Maria Wingfield was an English soldier, Member of Parliament, and colonist in America. |
Edward Teller was a Hungarian-American theoretical physicist known as "the father of the hydrogen bomb" and for his contributions to the Teller-Ulam design, characterized by his scientific prowess and challenging interpersonal relationships. |
Edward Bond is a renowned English playwright, theatre director, and poet known for his controversial yet influential works, including Saved, which played a pivotal role in ending theatre censorship in the UK. |
Edward Hopper was a renowned American realist painter and printmaker known for his oil paintings, watercolors, and etchings. |
Edward Norton is an American actor and filmmaker known for his acclaimed performances in Primal Fear, American History X, and Fight Club. |
Edward Wadie Said was a Palestinian-American academic, literary critic, political activist, and musician known for his contributions to post-colonial studies. |
Edward Roscoe Murrow was a prominent American broadcast journalist and war correspondent known for his live radio broadcasts from Europe during World War II. |
Edward the Confessor was an Anglo-Saxon English king and saint who ruled from 1042 until his death in 1066. |