Find out how popular the first name Edelweiss has been for the last 9 years (from 2015 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Edelweiss by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Edelweiss is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Edelweiss.

The history of the first name Edelweiss

The name Edelweiss is a German word that literally translates to "noble white" or "white and noble." It is a compound word derived from the German words "edel" meaning noble, and "weiss" meaning white. The name is believed to have originated in the Alpine regions of Europe, specifically in the German, Austrian, and Swiss Alps.

The name Edelweiss is most commonly associated with the small white flower that grows in the high Alpine meadows and rocky areas. This flower, officially known as the Leontopodium alpinum, has been a symbol of purity, nobility, and bravery in Alpine folklore for centuries. It was considered a rare and precious find due to the treacherous terrain it grew in, and only the bravest and most skilled mountaineers could retrieve it.

In literature, the name Edelweiss gained prominence in the 19th century through its association with the famous musical play "The Sound of Music." The song "Edelweiss" became an iconic part of the musical, representing the beauty and resilience of the Austrian people during World War II. The name and the flower have since become symbols of Austrian culture and heritage.

While the name Edelweiss is not directly mentioned in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been used as a given name throughout history, particularly in German-speaking regions. Some notable historical figures with the name Edelweiss include:

1. Edelweiss von Britzke (1861-1938), a German painter and illustrator known for her depictions of Alpine landscapes and flowers.

2. Edelweiss Küchen (1891-1961), an Austrian mountaineer and one of the first women to climb several challenging peaks in the Alps.

3. Edelweiss Gyr (1902-1987), a Swiss opera singer and actress who performed in various operas throughout Europe.

4. Edelweiss Baumann (1909-1992), a German-born American writer and poet who wrote extensively about her experiences as a World War II refugee.

5. Edelweiss Steiner (1924-2018), an Austrian alpine skier and Olympic gold medalist in the downhill event at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo.

While the name Edelweiss is not as common as it once was, it remains a popular choice in certain regions, particularly in the Alpine countries, where it is celebrated as a symbol of resilience, purity, and the beauty of nature.

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 Edelweiss was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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