Eddie is a name of English origin and it is a diminutive form of the name Edward. The name Edward itself has a long history and is believed to have originated from the Old English words 'ead' meaning prosperity or fortune, and 'weard' which means guard or keeper.
The name Eddie became popular in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly among Irish-American families. It was often given as a nickname for boys named Edward but over time it has become established as a given name in its own right.
Some famous people with the name Eddie include Eddie Murphy, the comedian and actor, Eddie Redmayne, the British actor known for his role in "The Theory of Everything", and Eddie Van Halen, the guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Van Halen. These individuals have helped to popularize the name further and contribute to its continued use today.
Overall, Eddie is a strong, short, and simple name that has a long history and has been associated with many notable figures throughout time. It remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet traditional name for their son.
The name Eddie experienced significant popularity during the early to mid-20th century, with the highest number of births recorded between 1915 and 1927, peaking at 379 births in 1922. However, starting from the late 1940s, its usage decreased dramatically, dropping below 50 births per year after 1946. In recent years (2019-2023), Eddie has seen a slight resurgence with birth counts ranging between 7 and 11 annually.