Edilia first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Edilia has been for the last 26 years (from 1978 to 2003) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Edilia

Feminine name of Latin origin meaning "noble or prosperous estate".

Popularity of Edilia by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Edilia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2003, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Edilia.

Year Male Count Female Count
2003 0 6
1984 0 7
1979 0 8
1978 0 5

The history of the first name Edilia

The name Edilia has its origins in Latin, deriving from the noun "edile," which referred to a Roman magistrate responsible for public works and games. The name's earliest recorded use can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was likely bestowed upon individuals associated with the office of the edile or involved in similar civic duties.

During the Roman era, the name Edilia held a certain prestige and was often borne by members of the upper classes, particularly those with ties to the administrative or political spheres. While its precise etymology is uncertain, some scholars suggest that it may have been derived from the Latin word "aedes," meaning "building" or "temple," further reinforcing its connection to public infrastructure and civic responsibilities.

One of the earliest notable figures bearing the name Edilia was a Roman noblewoman mentioned in the writings of the historian Tacitus (c. 56-120 AD). Tacitus documented her involvement in a political scandal during the reign of the Emperor Tiberius, indicating that the name was in use among the Roman elite in the early 1st century AD.

In the Middle Ages, the name Edilia saw a resurgence in popularity, particularly in parts of Italy and Spain, where it was often bestowed upon women of noble or wealthy families. Historical records from this period mention several individuals named Edilia, including a Countess of Tuscany who lived in the 12th century and a Spanish noblewoman who served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Isabella I of Castile in the late 15th century.

During the Renaissance, the name Edilia gained further prominence, likely influenced by the renewed interest in classical Roman culture and literature. One notable figure from this era was Edilia Caracciolo (1476-1559), an Italian noblewoman and patron of the arts, who was renowned for her support of Renaissance artists and intellectuals.

In the 17th century, the name Edilia was borne by Edilia Sforza (1610-1678), an Italian noblewoman and member of the prominent Sforza family, who was known for her philanthropic endeavors and support of religious institutions.

Another historical figure named Edilia was Edilia Inés de Leyva (1691-1766), a Spanish aristocrat and landowner who played a significant role in the colonization of Puerto Rico and the establishment of the island's sugar industry.

While the name Edilia has fallen out of widespread use in modern times, its rich history and connections to ancient Roman culture, as well as its association with nobility and civic responsibility, make it a unique and intriguing choice for those seeking a name with a strong historical legacy.

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

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

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"Edilia first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on August 30, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/edilia-meaning-and-history/.

"Edilia first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/edilia-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 30 August, 2025

Edilia first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/edilia-meaning-and-history/.

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