What does Edith mean and where does it come from?
Edith is of Old English origin, coming from the elements 'ēad' meaning 'wealth, fortune' and 'gīð' meaning 'war'. The name was quite popular in England during the Middle Ages and saw a revival in the 19th century. Edith Wharton was a prominent American novelist who won the Pulitzer Prize for literat
Cultural significance
Edith has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of prosperous in war.
Peak popularity
Reached #26 in 1894 — currently #503 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Edith?
Edith works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Edith Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Edith Rose
Floral · soft ending
Edith Mae
Sweet · timeless
Edith Claire
French influence · crisp
Edith Jane
Literary · strong
Edith Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Edith right now?
Rising — up 11 spots — currently #503 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #503 | 605 | ▲ up 11 · -1% births |
| 2022 | #514 | 609 | ▼ down 21 · -5% births |
| 2021 | #493 | 638 | ▼ down 20 · -1% births |
| 2020 | #473 | 643 | ▲ up 51 · +8% births |
| 2015 | #524 | 597 | ▲ up 297 · +83% births |
| 2010 | #821 | 326 | ▼ down 194 · -27% births |
| 2005 | #627 | 446 | ▼ down 62 · -3% births |
| 2000 | #565 | 462 | ▼ down 122 · -20% births |
| 1995 | #443 | 577 | ▲ up 114 · +36% births |
| 1990 | #557 | 423 | ▲ up 59 · +38% births |
| 1985 | #616 | 307 | ▼ down 65 · -9% births |
| 1980 | #551 | 339 | ▼ down 79 · -14% births |
| 1975 | #472 | 394 | ▼ down 82 · -35% births |
| 1970 | #390 | 602 | ▼ down 90 · -32% births |
| 1965 | #300 | 890 | — |
The story of Edith
Edith has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #26 in 1894. More than 268,629 babies have been named Edith since 1880. Once ranked #28 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #503 in 2023. Edith is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Edith in 1894:
Edith by decade
Edith peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 10,930 | |
| 1890s | 17,712 | |
| 1900s | 20,945 | |
| 1910s | 56,192 | |
| 1920s ★ | 63,173 | |
| 1930s | 31,190 | |
| 1940s | 22,228 | |
| 1950s | 15,519 | |
| 1960s | 9,015 | |
| 1970s | 4,259 | |
| 1980s | 3,214 | |
| 1990s | 4,485 | |
| 2000s | 4,123 | |
| 2010s | 5,001 | |
| 2020s | 643 | |
What are good nicknames for Edith?
What names sound and feel like Edith?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Edith also consider these
How is Edith written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Edith
What does the name Edith mean?
Edith means "prosperous in war" — a name rooted in English 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 Edith?
Edith is currently ranked #503 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Edith?
Edith originates from English tradition. English 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 Edith?
Edith is a two-syllable name pronounced IY1 D IH0 TH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Edith more of a girl or boy name?
Edith is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.