What does Edgar mean and where does it come from?
Although traditionally a male name, Edgar has been used for females in recent years. It has Old English origins, deriving from the elements 'ēad', meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune', and 'gār', meaning 'spear'. It was popularized by the Anglo-Saxon king Edgar I in the 10th century. The name has historica
Cultural significance
Edgar has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of wealthy spear.
Peak popularity
Reached #458 in 2024 — currently #486 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Edgar?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Edgar?
Edgar works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Edgar Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Edgar John
One syllable · timeless choice
Edgar Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Edgar Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Edgar Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Edgar Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Edgar right now?
Declining — down 28 spots — currently #486 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #486 | 617 | ▼ down 28 · -10% births |
| 2024 | #458 | 682 | ▼ down 22 · -4% births |
| 2023 | #436 | 714 | ▼ down 18 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #418 | 774 | ▼ down 7 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #411 | 758 | ▲ up 16061 · +15060% births |
| 2005 | #16472 | 5 | ▼ down 10203 · -64% births |
| 1995 | #6269 | 14 | ▼ down 2263 · -44% births |
| 1990 | #4006 | 25 | ▲ up 3570 · +213% births |
| 1985 | #7576 | 8 | ▼ down 147 |
| 1980 | #7429 | 8 | ▼ down 929 |
| 1975 | #6500 | 8 | ▼ down 118 · +14% births |
| 1970 | #6382 | 7 | ▼ down 2943 |
| 1935 | #3439 | 7 | ▼ down 1319 · -56% births |
| 1930 | #2120 | 16 | ▲ up 1006 · +60% births |
| 1925 | #3126 | 10 | — |
The story of Edgar
Edgar has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. More than 154,328 babies have been named Edgar since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #856 in 1880 to #436 in 2023. Edgar is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Edgar in 2024:
Edgar by decade
Edgar peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,011 | |
| 1890s | 2,992 | |
| 1900s | 3,154 | |
| 1910s | 14,157 | |
| 1920s | 18,159 | |
| 1930s | 11,936 | |
| 1940s | 9,811 | |
| 1950s | 8,640 | |
| 1960s | 6,533 | |
| 1970s | 6,863 | |
| 1980s | 11,728 | |
| 1990s | 22,342 | |
| 2000s ★ | 22,610 | |
| 2010s | 11,616 | |
| 2020s | 2,075 | |
What are good nicknames for Edgar?
What names sound and feel like Edgar?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Edgar also consider these
How is Edgar written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Edgar
What does the name Edgar mean?
Edgar means "wealthy spear" — a name rooted in England tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Edgar?
Edgar is currently ranked #436 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Edgar?
Edgar originates from England tradition. England names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Edgar?
Edgar is a two-syllable name pronounced EDG-er. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Edgar more of a girl or boy name?
Edgar is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.