What does Edna mean and where does it come from?
Edna appears in the Hebrew Bible in the context of the Old Testament, representing a sense of new life or rejuvenation. The name saw a surge in popularity in the early 20th century, especially in English-speaking countries, partly due to its use in literature and theater, such as in the play 'The Gl
Cultural significance
Edna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #11 in 1899 — currently #1301 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Edna?
Edna works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Edna Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Edna Rose
Floral · soft ending
Edna Claire
French influence · crisp
Edna Jane
Literary · strong
Edna Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Edna right now?
Holding steady — currently #1301 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1301 | 899 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1306 | 879 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1311 | 849 | ▲ up 771 · +876% births |
| 2020 | #2082 | 87 | ▲ up 254 · +10% births |
| 2015 | #2336 | 79 | ▼ down 264 · -17% births |
| 2010 | #2072 | 95 | ▼ down 435 · -22% births |
| 2005 | #1637 | 122 | ▼ down 114 · +3% births |
| 2000 | #1523 | 119 | ▼ down 243 · -9% births |
| 1995 | #1280 | 131 | ▼ down 356 · -36% births |
| 1990 | #924 | 206 | ▼ down 112 · +2% births |
| 1985 | #812 | 201 | ▼ down 168 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #644 | 283 | ▼ down 95 · -9% births |
| 1975 | #549 | 311 | ▼ down 83 · -30% births |
| 1970 | #466 | 447 | ▼ down 126 · -37% births |
| 1965 | #340 | 711 | — |
The story of Edna
Edna has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #11 in 1899. More than 295,586 babies have been named Edna since 1880. Once ranked #45 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1301 in 2023. Edna is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Edna in 1899:
Edna by decade
Edna peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 11,066 | |
| 1890s | 24,144 | |
| 1900s | 29,957 | |
| 1910s | 67,106 | |
| 1920s ★ | 68,877 | |
| 1930s | 37,169 | |
| 1940s | 24,789 | |
| 1950s | 15,441 | |
| 1960s | 7,714 | |
| 1970s | 3,413 | |
| 1980s | 2,162 | |
| 1990s | 1,564 | |
| 2000s | 1,194 | |
| 2010s | 903 | |
| 2020s | 87 | |
Famous people named Edna
E(
Edna (historical figure)
Edna bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Edna?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Edna also consider these
Common questions about the name Edna
What does the name Edna mean?
Edna means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Edna?
Edna is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Edna?
Edna originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Edna?
Edna is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 D N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Edna a common or rare name?
Edna is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.