Edna first name popularity, history and meaning

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

Meaning of Edna

Old English feminine name potentially derived from "ead" meaning prosperity or fortune.

Popularity of Edna by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Edna is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Edna being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 101 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Edna.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 101
2022 0 89
2021 0 89
2020 0 88
2019 0 82
2018 0 122
2017 0 75
2016 0 82
2015 0 81
2014 0 89
2013 0 97
2012 0 93
2011 0 100
2010 0 100
2009 0 103
2008 0 112
2007 0 134
2006 0 104
2005 0 127
2004 0 132
2003 0 125
2002 0 122
2001 0 146
2000 0 126
1999 0 115
1998 0 130
1997 0 138
1996 0 137
1995 0 131
1994 0 148
1993 0 171
1992 0 184
1991 0 212
1990 0 206
1989 0 236
1988 0 150
1987 0 192
1986 0 175
1985 0 202
1984 0 207
1983 0 229
1982 0 217
1981 0 271
1980 0 283
1979 0 289
1978 0 271
1977 0 311
1976 0 277
1975 0 311
1974 5 315

The history of the first name Edna

The name Edna is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "ead," which means "prosperous" or "rich." It is also related to the Old English name "Eadnu," which means "prosperous gift." The name first appeared in written records during the Anglo-Saxon period in England, around the 7th to 11th centuries.

One of the earliest known references to the name Edna can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of lands and properties in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name Edna is listed among the landowners and tenants recorded in the book.

In the 12th century, the name Edna appeared in the Pipe Rolls, which were administrative records of the English Exchequer during the reign of King Henry II. This suggests that the name was in use among the English nobility and gentry at the time.

One notable historical figure named Edna was Edna the Fair, a 12th-century English noblewoman who was known for her beauty and her involvement in a romantic scandal. She was the mistress of King Henry II and bore him an illegitimate son named Geoffrey.

During the Middle Ages, the name Edna was also found in various literary works, including medieval ballads and romances. In the 14th century, Geoffrey Chaucer mentioned a character named Edna in his famous work, "The Canterbury Tales."

In the 16th century, Edna became a more common name among English Puritans, who favored biblical and virtuous names. One notable Edna from this period was Edna Heron (c. 1509 - c. 1570), an English Protestant martyr who was burned at the stake for her religious beliefs during the Marian Persecutions.

Another famous Edna from history was Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892 - 1950), an American poet and playwright who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1923. Her work was known for its lyrical quality and exploration of feminist themes.

Edna Ferber (1885 - 1968) was an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright, best known for her novels "So Big," "Show Boat," and "Giant." She was a pioneer in portraying strong, independent women in her works.

Edna Conen (1899 - 1959) was a British writer and actress, famous for her short stories and plays. She was also known for her involvement in the feminist movement and her advocacy for women's rights.

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

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

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"Edna first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on November 3, 2024. http://namecensus.com/first-names/edna-meaning-and-history/.

"Edna first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/edna-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 3 November, 2024

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

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