Edouard is of French origin, derived from the Germanic elements 'ead' meaning wealth or prosperity, and 'wald' meaning rule. It is a variation of the German name Eberhard, which was brought to France by the Normans during their invasions in the 9th century. The name Edouard was quite popular among the French nobility throughout the Middle Ages, with several kings and princes bearing this name. It became particularly prominent during the reign of the House of Valois, with notable figures such as Édouard III of England, who was born Édouard de Windsor. In France, it remained a prestigious name for centuries, associated with royalty and high societal status. Today, Edouard is still considered a classic French name, though its popularity has somewhat declined in recent years. It is often shortened to Eddy or Édouard when used informally.
Over a span of 112 years, the name Edouard was given to 609 children. While there were years with as many as 13 births (in 1922), other years saw fewer than 5. The most recent data shows that while the popularity has decreased overall, it continues to be chosen for newborns today.