The name Edmund has its origins in the Anglo-Saxon era, derived from the Old English words "ead" meaning prosperity or fortune, and "mund" meaning protection. It was a popular name among the Anglo-Saxons and was borne by several English kings and nobles.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name is Edmund the Martyr, an East Anglian king who reigned from 855 to 869 AD. He was killed by Danish invaders and later became venerated as a saint in the Christian church.

Another notable figure with the name was Edmund Ironside, who was King of England from 1016 to 1017 AD. He fought against the Danish invasion led by Canute the Great, but was eventually forced to divide the kingdom with him.

In the 13th century, Edmund Rich, also known as St. Edmund of Abingdon, was a prominent figure in the Catholic Church. He served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1234 to 1240 and was canonized in 1246.

The name gained further prominence with Edmund Spenser, the English poet and author of the epic poem "The Faerie Queene". He lived from around 1552 to 1599 and is considered one of the greatest poets of the English Renaissance.

In more recent history, Edmund Halley, the English astronomer, mathematician, and physicist, is renowned for his work on the orbit of the comet that bears his name, Halley's Comet. He lived from 1656 to 1742 and made significant contributions to the scientific understanding of the universe.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Edmund, reflecting its enduring popularity and significance across various cultures and time periods.