Edda first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Edda has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Edda

An Old Norse feminine name meaning "great-grandmother" or "ancestress".

Popularity of Edda by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Edda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Edda.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 12
2022 0 8
2021 0 11
2020 0 6
2019 0 10
2018 0 12
2017 0 9
2016 0 7
2015 0 13
2014 0 8
2013 0 9
2012 0 7
2010 0 7
2009 0 5
2008 0 5
2006 0 5
1996 0 7
1975 0 7
1974 0 10

The history of the first name Edda

The name Edda is of Old Norse origin and can be traced back to the Viking era in Scandinavia. It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "oddr," which means "point" or "edge." The name was likely associated with strength, sharpness, and bravery, qualities that were highly valued in Viking culture.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Edda is found in the "Poetic Edda," a collection of Old Norse anonymous poems compiled in the 13th century. The "Prose Edda," written by the Icelandic scholar and historian Snorri Sturluson in the early 13th century, is another significant work that mentions the name.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Edda. One of the earliest recorded examples is Edda Ballí (1180-1236), an Icelandic poet and the first known female skald (a poet of the Old Norse tradition). Another prominent figure was Edda Mussolini (1910-1995), the eldest daughter of the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.

In the field of literature, Edda Ziegler (1912-1986) was a German writer and translator known for her works on Norse mythology and Icelandic literature. Edda Göring (1938-2018), the daughter of Nazi leader Hermann Göring, also carried this name.

More recently, Edda Björgvinsdóttir (born 1976) is an Icelandic singer and songwriter who has gained international recognition for her unique blend of folk and electronic music.

While the name Edda has its roots in Old Norse culture, it has since spread to various parts of the world, particularly in European countries with Germanic or Scandinavian influences. The name continues to hold significance and intrigue due to its historical connections and associations with strength, wisdom, and literary traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Edda was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Edda, please contact us.

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