Edmund – Name Meaning
The name Edmund is of Old English origin and means “wealthy protector”. It is derived from the elements ead, meaning “wealth” or “fortune”, and mund, meaning “protector”. The name was popularized by King Edmund I of England in the 10th century.
History
The name Edmund has a long history in England. It was first used as a given name in the 10th century by King Edmund I of England, who was known for his generosity and protection of his people. He was also known as Edmund the Magnificent due to his great wealth and power. The name continued to be popular throughout the Middle Ages and into modern times.
Popularity
The name Edmund has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few decades. In 2019, it ranked #717 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names in the United States. It is especially popular in England, where it ranks #51 on the list of most popular baby names.
Famous People Named Edmund
There are many famous people with the name Edmund, including:
- Edmund Hillary – New Zealand mountaineer who was one of the first two people to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
- Edmund Burke – Irish statesman and philosopher who wrote Reflections on the Revolution in France.
- Edmund Spenser – English poet best known for his epic poem The Faerie Queene.
- Edmund Gwenn – British actor who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Miracle on 34th Street.
Variations of the Name
The name Edmund can also be spelled Edmond or Edmonde. There are also several variations of the name that have different meanings, such as:
- Eadmund – Old English form meaning “rich protector”.
- Eadmunder – Old English form meaning “rich defender”.
- Eadmunn – Old English form meaning “rich man”.
There are also several nicknames for Edmund, including Eddy, Ned, and Eddie.
