Meaning & History
Edith is a feminine given name derived from the Old English name Eadgyð, composed of the elements ead ("wealth, fortune") and guð ("battle"). It is in common usage in English, German, Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, and Swedish. Its French form is Édith.
Etymology
The name originates from Anglo-Saxon England, where it was popular among royalty. Saint Eadgyð (Edith), daughter of King Edgar the Peaceful, is a notable early bearer. It was also borne by the Ottonian queen Edith of England, who married Holy Roman Emperor Otto I. The name remained common after the Norman Conquest but fell out of favor after the 15th century. It was revived in the 19th century and has remained in steady use.
Cultural Significance
Edith became popular again at the beginning of the 19th century and has been among the top hundred most popular names for newborn girls in England and Wales since 2017. In the United States, it was among the top 50 names between 1880 and 1927, ranking 513th in 2022.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals include author Edith Wharton, singer Édith Piaf, and nurse Edith Cavell. Related diminutives include Edie and Ditte, while variants include Edythe, Editha, and Edit. The Old English form Eadgyð underlies the name.
- Meaning: Wealth, fortune, battle
- Origin: Old English
- Type: Feminine given name
- Usage regions: English, German, Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Edith