Edith is a feminine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old German word "Aid" or "Adal", which means "noble". The name was popularized during the Middle Ages when it became associated with various saints and queens.
The name Edith first gained prominence in England during the Anglo-Saxon period, where it was used by several royal figures. One of the most notable bearers of this name was Edith of Wessex (also known as Edith Swanneck), who was the second wife of Edward the Confessor. She played a significant role in medieval English politics and is believed to have had considerable influence over her husband.
The name Edith remained popular throughout the Middle Ages and continued to be used into the modern era. Today, it is still considered a classic and elegant choice for a girl's name. While its popularity has waxed and waned over the centuries, it has consistently been used in various forms and spellings around the world.
In addition to Edith, other variations of this name include Edyth, Ethel, Ethyl, and Edite. Each of these versions offers a unique twist on the classic name while still retaining its original meaning and heritage. Overall, the name Edith is a timeless choice that evokes images of elegance, nobility, and strength.
The name Edith peaked in popularity during the late 19th to early 20th century, with over 700 births each year from 1880 to 1924. It reached its peak in 1915 with 6761 births. However, its popularity declined steadily thereafter, dropping below 300 births per year by the mid-20th century and continuing to decrease until the late 1980s when it stabilized around 300 births per year. In recent years, the name has seen a slight resurgence, with over 600 births per year from 2015 onwards. Overall, there were a total of 269,690 births named Edith between 1880 and 2023.