Declining since 1995, #486 for boys today.
Popularity of Edgar since 1880
Babies named Edgar per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2005, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Edgar's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 3,006 |
| 1890s | 2,982 |
| 1900s | 3,154 |
| 1910s | 14,080 |
| 1920s | 18,037 |
| 1930s | 11,860 |
| 1940s | 9,804 |
| 1950s | 8,634 |
| 1960s | 6,485 |
| 1970s | 6,805 |
| 1980s | 11,608 |
| 1990s | 22,215 |
| 2000s | 22,586 |
| 2010s | 11,623 |
| 2020s | 4,335 |
Meaning & origin
Edgar is a classic Old English name with royal roots. After peaking in popularity in 1881, it has seen a long decline, but it remains familiar and well-regarded. Currently ranking 486th in 2025, it retains a solid presence, especially in states like Arizona, New Mexico, and California. The name has been in continuous use since 1880, reflecting its enduring appeal. While it experienced a peak in the 1880s, its trajectory has been falling since 1995, suggesting a return to a more underused status.
Edgar derives from the Old English name Eadgar, composed of ead 'wealth, prosperity, fortune' and gar 'spear'. It was a royal name in Anglo-Saxon England, borne by King Edgar the Peaceful (10th century). The name remained in occasional use through the Middle Ages and was revived in the 18th and 19th centuries, partly due to literary figures like Edgar Allan Poe.
Where Edgar is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Edgar” around the world
Where Edgar lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
150
babies in 2024
Quebec
14
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ed, Eddie, Eddy
Variants: Eadgar, Edgardo
Sibling names for Edgar
Names that share Edgar's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Emma, Alice, Clara, Edith, Mabel, Alma, Gertrude, Sylvia, Aletha, Elberta, Griselda, Lenore, Maud, Albertha, Atha, Edra, Elmira, Elna, Freeda, Gearldine, Vilma, Agness, Elmina, Elmyra, Elvena, Etheleen, Evalene, Hildreth, Margaree, Minnette, Willena, Alyene, Darcus, Edwena, Glora, Myrtha, Edit, Beda, Chestina, Daritza, Francelia, Majel, Nedda, Norena
Brothers: Arthur, Oscar, Walter, Alfred, Henry, Edwin, Martin, Archibald, Errol, Fulton, Reynold, Calvert, Carlyle, Dolphus, Edrick, Eldred, Ewell, Gerome, Hilliard, Osmar, Oswald, Spurgeon, Adron, Alferd, Ancel, Barnard, Conard, Erven, Esgar, Godric, Godwin, Halbert, Hurbert, Lorence, Rubert, Talbert, Wilburt, Alric, Alvey, Anner, Athel, Benford, Clayburn, Eldredge, Jerrard, Osker, Yosgart, Edmar, Ellard, Alver, Arnol, Edgel, Edker, Edman, Elber, Elford, Elward, Osric, Proctor, Sebert, Willford
Names like Edgar
Names whose popularity has moved with Edgar's over the last 50 years.
