Edward
Peaked at #8 nationally in 1912, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Edward has been recorded <1% of the time for girls and >99% of the time for boys.
Meaning & origin
Edward comes from the Old English "Ēadweard," combining "ēad" (wealth or prosperity) and "weard" (guardian), giving a meaning close to "prosperous guardian." It's one of the few Anglo-Saxon names to survive the Norman Conquest largely intact, thanks in part to the veneration of Edward the Confessor as a royal saint. Eight subsequent English kings have carried the name.
Notable people & culture
The long line of English monarchs named Edward includes Edward VIII, who famously abdicated the throne in 1936, and the current line continues with Britain's Prince Edward. Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy and actor Edward Norton are among its well-known American bearers. Common nicknames include Ed, Eddie, Ted, and Ned.
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Edward — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#594
in 1929
Last ranked
#17290
in 2014
Years tracked
123
1882–2014
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1882, Edward reached its peak popularity for girls in 1929, ranking #594 nationally with 132 babies given the name that year.
Edward hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for girls since 2014, when it stood at #17290.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #17,290 | 5 |
| 2007 | #14,336 | 7 |
| 2004 | #10,127 | 10 |
| 2003 | #16,497 | 5 |
| 2002 | #14,105 | 6 |
| 2001 | #11,318 | 8 |
| 2000 | #8,744 | 11 |
| 1998 | #10,394 | 8 |
Edward — Boys (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#8
in 1912
Current rank
#228
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1880, Edward reached its peak popularity for boys in 1912, ranking #8 nationally with 7,936 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #162 (2014) to #228 (2024) — a 29% drop.
As of 2024, Edward ranks #228 nationally for boys, with 1,584 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #228 | 1,584 |
| 2023 | #213 | 1,734 |
| 2022 | #216 | 1,751 |
| 2021 | #218 | 1,748 |
| 2020 | #195 | 1,950 |
| 2019 | #192 | 2,053 |
| 2018 | #170 | 2,286 |
| 2017 | #170 | 2,327 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — boys' names only.
Common Questions
When was Edward most popular?
Edward was most popular in 1912, when it ranked #8 nationally for boys — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Edward becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently falling, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Edward?
At least 1,307,348 babies have been recorded with the name Edward in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Edward? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.