Edgar – Name Meaning
The name Edgar is of Old English origin and is derived from the words “ead”, meaning “wealth” or “fortune”, and “gar”, meaning “spear”. The name was popularized by the legendary Anglo-Saxon king, Edgar the Peaceful. It has been used as a given name in England since the Middle Ages.
Symbolism
The name Edgar symbolizes wealth, power, and strength. It is associated with courage and leadership. The spear is also a symbol of protection and defense.
Popularity
Edgar has been a popular name in England since the Middle Ages. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in other countries as well. According to Social Security Administration data, Edgar was the 545th most popular baby boy’s name in the United States in 2019.
Famous People Named Edgar
There are many famous people who have borne the name Edgar throughout history. These include:
- Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849), American poet and author
- Edgar Degas (1834-1917), French Impressionist painter
- Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950), American author best known for his Tarzan novels
- Edgar Wright (born 1974), British filmmaker
Use in Literature
The name Edgar has been used in literature for centuries. One of the most famous examples is William Shakespeare’s play King Lear, which features a character named Edgar who is loyal to his father despite his father’s mistreatment of him. Other notable literary characters named Edgar include:
- Edgar Linton from Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights
- Edgar Caswall from Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla
- Edgar Beecher Stowe from Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
In addition to these characters, there are numerous books that feature characters named Edgar, such as Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth and Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.
