Declining since 1985, #224 for boys today.
Popularity of Edward since 1880
Babies named Edward per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Edward's real moment was 1882.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 23,133 |
| 1890s | 22,033 |
| 1900s | 24,516 |
| 1910s | 125,720 |
| 1920s | 197,348 |
| 1930s | 147,849 |
| 1940s | 174,801 |
| 1950s | 188,323 |
| 1960s | 143,984 |
| 1970s | 83,425 |
| 1980s | 60,832 |
| 1990s | 45,164 |
| 2000s | 30,833 |
| 2010s | 25,263 |
| 2020s | 10,370 |
Meaning & origin
Edward is a classic English name with royal and saintly roots, meaning 'wealthy guardian'. In the United States, it has been in use since at least 1880, when it was already a top name. It peaked in 1882 and has been on a generally falling trajectory since 1985. In 2025, it ranked 224th, given to 1 in 1,074 newborn boys. The name remains most popular in states like DC, Maine, and New Hampshire. While its long history connects it to medieval kings and saints, Edward's modern usage is steady, maintaining a dignified and traditional image without being overly common.
Edward is derived from the Old English name Eadweard, composed of the elements 'ead' (wealth, fortune) and 'weard' (guardian, protector). It was introduced to Britain by the Anglo-Saxons and remained in use throughout the medieval period, bolstered by the fame of Edward the Confessor, king and saint. The name continued to be common among English royalty and nobility, and it enjoyed widespread popularity in the English-speaking world from the 19th century onward.
Where Edward 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.
“Edward” around the world
Where Edward lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
75
babies in 2024
Ireland
43
babies in 2025
New Zealand
#77
in 2025
Quebec
25
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#75
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ed, Eddie, Ted, Teddy, Ned
Sibling names for Edward
Names that share Edward's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Alice, Clara, Margaret, Eleanor, Florence, Constance, Deloris, Edith, Elaine, Elinor, Elizabeth, Harriett, Jeannette, Katharine, Louise, Marian, Victoria, Adela, Aileen, Audry, Cathrine, Clair, Eleanore, Eugenie, Georgiana, Georgianna, Georgina, Harriette, Hellen, Henrietta, Ilene, Lucile, Mabelle, Margarette, Margery, Margurite, Queen, Renesmee, Audria, Carolyne, Christena, Dorthea, Elinore, Eveline, Fredda, Frederica, Georgene, Georgetta, Georgiann, Georgianne, Georgine, Henretta, Ileen, Jeannetta, Jennette, Katharyn, Lilibeth, Margarett, Margaretta, Margarite, Norene, Rozanne, Shirlie, Thomasine, Virgina, Anice, Audre, Babara, Carolene, Clarinda, Dorothe, Dorothey, Dorothie, Edlyn, Ellene, Ellinor, Elnore, Ethelda, Etheline, Ethlyn, Etter, Fredrica, Jennetta, Joesphine, Katherene, Leanore, Lilliam, Lissie, Magaret, Margart, Margert, Marget, Margreat, Margretta, Rosabel, Rosalin, Rosellen, Shella, Vangie, Wallis, Windsor, Albertia, Aleatha, Alizon, Allice, Carolynne, Chrystine, Clarabel, Claramae, Dorothye, Edwena, Elizibeth, Ellan, Gwendolyne, Hellena, Josphine, Justeen, Margareth, Margarie, Marguarite, Margurette, Maryon, Renesme, Rosamary, Rozalynn, Ruthell, Sallee, Thersa, Thomasa, Thomasene, Victoriana, Edit, Eithel, Rosell, Armine, Barbera, Bettey, Bobetta, Cahterine, Charlottie, Dorethia, Dorice, Dorothia, Eleaner, Elener, Ellinore, Elynore, Helyne, Katheren, Lillion, Loie, Louiza, Lysbeth, Madell, Margeart, Marjarie, Merrianne, Noralyn, Phillipa, Renesmay, Richardine, Ruthia, Victora, Viriginia, Walta
Brothers: Henry, Charles, George, Arthur, William, Albert, Alfred, Bernard, Frederick, Fredrick, Harry, Lawrence, Philip, Raymond, Reginald, Richard, Robert, Edmund, Franklyn, Geoffrey, German, Lenard, Arther, Author, Authur, Bartley, Benard, Edgard, Lawrance, Ramond, Richmond, Sumner, Willaim, Arthor, Aurthur, Carlous, Egbert, Esgar, Freddrick, Geoffry, Geroge, Godwin, Lennard, Rickard, Roberts, York, Aurther, Chales, Chrles, Eugune, Fredick, Gladstone, Goerge, Jeoffrey, Jeorge, Lenward, Piers, Richar, Richerd, Telford, Bedford, Charels, Clerance, Edwing, Geoge, Raymound, Richards, Roberth, Rodert, Sircharles, Stanlee, Willman
Names like Edward
Names whose popularity has moved with Edward's over the last 50 years.
