Edwin is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin that means "rich friend". It was popular during the Middle Ages in England and can be found in various spellings such as Edwy, Eadwin, or Edwinus. The name gained prominence through historical figures like Edwin of Northumbria, who was a king in the 7th century.
The name Edwin is composed of two elements: "Ead", which means rich or blessed, and "wine", which means friend. Therefore, Edwin can be interpreted as someone who is a wealthy or fortunate companion.
Over time, the name has been used in various languages and cultures around the world. In Germany, for example, it is spelled Eduard and in France, Édouard. Despite its variations, the core meaning of the name remains consistent across different regions.
Today, Edwin continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet classic name for their child. Its historical roots and strong signification make it an appealing option for those who appreciate names with deeper meanings.
The name Edwin had a consistent popularity throughout the late 19th to mid-20th century, with over 300 births per year from 1880 to around 1960. However, its usage began to decline in the late 1960s and continued to decrease until the early 2000s when it started to show a slight resurgence, peaking again at 961 births in 2017 but then falling again thereafter. Overall, Edwin was quite popular historically, but its popularity has significantly decreased in recent years.