Edward: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced ED-werd · 2 syllables
Edward means “wealthy guardian”, from English.
From Middle English Edward, from Old English Eadweard, from Proto-West Germanic *Audawardu, from Proto-Germanic *Audawarduz, corresponding to ed (“wealth, riches”) + ward (“ward, guard”), doublet of Eduard.
- Meaning
- wealthy guardian
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- ED-werd
- US rank (2025)
- #224
- US babies a year
- about 1,684 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Classic, Literary
- Nicknames
- Ed, Eddie, Ted, Teddy, Ned
How popular is Edward?
Edward was the #224 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,591 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 36% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1880.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #224 |
| England & Wales | #29 |
| Scotland | #140 |
| Northern Ireland | #123 |
| Ireland | #131 |
| France | #566 |
| Norway | #189 |
| Canada | #194 |
| Australia | #42 |
How old are people named Edward?
Half of US adults named Edward are older than 63; most are between 27 and 86. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Edward
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Edward have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Edward
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Edward
What does the name Edward mean?
Edward means “wealthy guardian”. It comes from English.
How do you pronounce Edward?
Edward is pronounced ED-werd.
How popular is the name Edward?
Edward was the #224 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,591 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 36% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Edward?
Half of US adults named Edward are older than 63. Most are between 27 and 86.