Edmund is a classic English name with a rich history and meaningful origin. It is derived from the Old English name Æðelmund, which consists of two elements: æðel meaning "noble" or " Mobility," and mund meaning "protection" or "shield." Thus, Edmund translates to "Noble protection" or "Protecting nobleman."
The name Edmund was popular in medieval England, often used by kings and nobles. The most notable historical figure bearing this name is Saint Edmund, the patron saint of England. Born around 841 AD, Edmund was the king of East Anglia who refused to renounce his Christian faith under pagan Danish invaders. He was eventually captured, executed, and canonized for his martyrdom in 981 AD.
The popularity of the name Edmund has fluctuated over time. It reached its peak in England during the late 19th century but has since declined. However, it remains a traditional choice among English-speaking families today. Notable individuals named Edmund include Edmund Hillary, the first person to climb Mount Everest, and Edmund Blackadder, the comedic character from British sitcom "Blackadder."
In literature, Edmund is also featured as a main character in C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, where he plays a significant role in shaping the narrative's themes of redemption and transformation.
Overall, Edmund is an enduring name with a strong historical foundation and meaningful symbolism. Its association with nobility, protection, and bravery makes it an attractive choice for parents seeking a timeless and meaningful name for their child.
"Edmund's popularity as a baby name peaked in the early 1900s, with over 1000 births each year from 1914 to 1924. However, it started declining thereafter, reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 122 births in 2020. The total number of births named Edmund from 1880 to 2023 is 51,706."