Edgar is a masculine given name with roots in Old English, originating from the elements ead meaning "wealth, fortune" and gar meaning "spear". The name thus carries connotations of prosperity and martial prowess. It was borne by the 10th-century English king Edgar the Peaceful, who reigned from 959 to 975 and is noted for consolidating the kingdom and promoting a period of stability. After the Norman Conquest, the name fell out of use, like many Anglo-Saxon names, but was revived in the 18th century. Its resurgence was bolstered by the character Edgar Ravenswood in Sir Walter Scott's novel The Bride of Lammermoor (1819), a tragic romance that helped popularize the name in English-speaking countries. Etymology and Historical Background The name Edgar is composed of the Old English elements ead ("wealth, fortune") and gar ("spear"), meaning "wealthy spearman" or "prosperity-spear". It is cognate with other Germanic names such as Audagar and Otgar, and the Anglo-Saxon form Eadgar. The name's use as a king's name lent it prestige, but it disappeared after the Norman Conquest, as Norman names eclipsed the native Anglo-Saxon ones. Its revival in the 18th century was part of a broader interest in medieval and Gothic culture, exemplified by writers like Sir Walter Scott. Famous bearers have since ensured the name's enduring appeal. The American author and poet Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849) is celebrated for his macabre tales and poems, such as "The Raven". Edgar Degas (1834–1917) was a French impressionist painter known for his ballet and horse-racing scenes. Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950) created the iconic character Tarzan. In royal history, Edgar the Ætheling (c. 1051–c. 1126) was the last member of the Anglo-Saxon royal house after the Norman Conquest, while Edgar of Scotland (1074–1107) ruled as king. Variants and Cultural Influence Variants include Edgard (French) and Edgardo (Spanish). Common English diminutives are Ed, Eddie, and Eddy. The surname Adair is a patronymic descendant of Edgar. While the name was more common in the United States during the 19th century, it has become particularly fashionable in Latin American countries since the 20th century. Today, Edgar remains a widely recognized classic masculine name across English, French, German, and Portuguese-speaking nations. Meaning: "wealthy spearman" (from Old English ead "wealth" + gar "spear") Origin: Old English / Anglo-Saxon Type: Given name (first name) Usage regions: English, French, German, Portuguese (and Latin America)