Declining since 1989, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Edsel since 1914
Babies named Edsel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 204 |
| 1920s | 1,323 |
| 1930s | 665 |
| 1940s | 445 |
| 1950s | 448 |
| 1960s | 234 |
| 1970s | 138 |
| 1980s | 140 |
| 1990s | 124 |
| 2000s | 111 |
| 2010s | 86 |
| 2020s | 44 |
Meaning & origin
Edsel is a name that stands as a curious footnote in American naming history. First recorded in 1914, it saw a modest surge in the 1920s, reaching its peak rank in 1927. However, its trajectory has been steadily falling since 1989, and by 2025, it ranked 12,008 with only about 1 in 341,615 newborn boys receiving the name. The name's decline is often attributed to its association with the Ford Edsel, a famously unsuccessful car model launched in 1958. Despite this, Edsel retains a distinct mid-century charm, evoking an era of practical, straightforward names. Its etymology remains uncertain, possibly a variant of the noble-themed Ethel or a modern invention. While it never appeared in any top state popularity lists, Edsel's legacy is tied to a specific moment in American automotive and cultural history.
Edsel is primarily known as a modern coinage, likely derived from the Old English name Ethel (meaning 'noble') with the addition of the suffix -sel, possibly influenced by names like Hazael or as a diminutive. It gained brief popularity in the United States in the 1920s, peaking in 1927, and is often associated with the ill-fated Ford Edsel automobile (1958-1960), which contributed to its decline in use.
Sibling names for Edsel
Names that share Edsel's style, for a brother or sister.
