What does Edison mean and where does it come from?
Though traditionally a male name, Edison has gained some popularity for females as a modern unisex name in the United States. It derives from the English surname meaning 'son of Edward.' The name is often associated with the famous American inventor Thomas Edison. It represents a trend toward using
Cultural significance
Edison has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of edward.
Peak popularity
Reached #827 in 2024 — currently #870 in the US.
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Related Reading
USA-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Edison?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Edison?
Edison works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Edison Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Edison John
One syllable · timeless choice
Edison Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Edison Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Edison Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Edison Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Edison right now?
Declining — down 43 spots — currently #870 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #870 | 276 | ▼ down 43 · -9% births |
| 2024 | #827 | 302 | ▼ down 4 · +2% births |
| 2023 | #823 | 297 | ▼ down 81 · -14% births |
| 2022 | #742 | 347 | ▼ down 127 · -23% births |
| 2021 | #615 | 452 | ▲ up 5968 · +2559% births |
| 2020 | #6583 | 17 | ▲ up 3577 · +70% births |
| 2015 | #10160 | 10 | ▲ up 3327 · +43% births |
| 2010 | #13487 | 7 | — |
The story of Edison
Edison is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2003. A total of 10,996 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13487 in 2010 to #823 in 2023. Edison is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Edison in 2024:
Edison by decade
Edison peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 63 | |
| 1900s | 99 | |
| 1910s | 649 | |
| 1920s | 771 | |
| 1930s | 501 | |
| 1940s | 470 | |
| 1950s | 543 | |
| 1960s | 434 | |
| 1970s | 338 | |
| 1980s | 420 | |
| 1990s | 610 | |
| 2000s | 1,568 | |
| 2010s ★ | 4,061 | |
| 2020s | 1,056 | |
What are good nicknames for Edison?
What names sound and feel like Edison?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Edison also consider these
Common questions about the name Edison
What does the name Edison mean?
Edison means "Son of Edward" — a name rooted in USA 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 Edison?
Edison is currently ranked #823 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 Edison?
Edison originates from USA tradition. USA 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 Edison?
Edison is a three-syllable name pronounced ED-is-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Edison?
Edison pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar USA heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.