Meaning & History
Edson is a masculine given name and surname of English origin, most commonly used in English and Portuguese-speaking countries. It is derived from a surname that is a variant of Edison, meaning "son of Ed." The element "Ed" is a medieval diminutive of names beginning with Ead-, such as Edith, which comes from the Old English elements ead "wealth, fortune" and guð "battle."
Cultural Significance
The name Edson is particularly famous due to Edson Arantes do Nascimento (1940–2022), the legendary Brazilian soccer player known universally as Pelé. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Pelé brought global recognition to the name. His parents chose the name Edson in honor of the American inventor Thomas Edison, though the spelling was altered to "Edson" instead of "Edison." This popularized the name in Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking regions.
Usage and Distribution
As a surname, Edson derives from the English naming tradition of adding "-son" to a father's name. Notable bearers of the surname include the American inventor Thomas Alva Edison (1847–1931), after whom the given name is ultimately modeled. The given name Edson remains moderately popular in English-speaking countries and especially in Brazil, where it is associated with Pelé's legacy.
- Meaning: Son of Ed (wealth, fortune, battle)
- Origin: English, from a surname
- Type: Given name, surname
- Usage: English, Portuguese
- Related names: Edison
Sources: Wiktionary — Edson