The name Edmundo has its origins in the Germanic languages, derived from the Old English words "ead" meaning "prosperity" or "fortune" and "mund" meaning "protector" or "guardian." It is believed to have first emerged in the early Middle Ages, around the 5th or 6th century AD, in areas where Germanic tribes had settled, such as parts of present-day England, Germany, and the Netherlands.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Edmundo can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record of events in Anglo-Saxon England, where it is mentioned in reference to King Edmund I of England, who reigned from 939 to 946 AD. The name also appears in various medieval charters and documents from the same period.

In the Christian tradition, the name Edmundo gained popularity due to its association with St. Edmund the Martyr, a 9th-century King of East Anglia who was killed by Danish Vikings for refusing to renounce his faith. His cult was widespread in medieval Europe, and many churches and monasteries were dedicated to him, further contributing to the name's prevalence.

Notable historical figures with the name Edmundo include Edmundo Dantés (1826-1901), a Cuban poet and writer known for his works celebrating Cuban independence; Edmundo O'Gorman (1905-1995), a Mexican historian and philosopher renowned for his reinterpretation of the Spanish conquest of the Americas; Edmundo Ros (1910-2011), a Spanish-American musician and bandleader who popularized Latin music in the United States; Edmundo Subiría (1914-1991), an Argentinian football player who represented his country in the 1934 and 1938 FIFA World Cups; and Edmundo Rivero (1911-1986), a Venezuelan politician and diplomat who served as President of Venezuela from 1959 to 1963.

Over the centuries, the name Edmundo has spread from its Germanic roots and gained popularity in various cultures and languages, particularly in Spanish-speaking regions, where it is commonly used as a given name.