The name Edward originates from the Anglo-Saxon era in Britain, derived from the Old English words "ead" meaning prosperous or rich, and "weard" meaning guard or protector. It emerged as a popular name among the English nobility and royalty during the Middle Ages.

Edward was the name of several Anglo-Saxon kings, including Edward the Elder (c. 870-924), who successfully defended his kingdom against Viking invasions, and Edward the Martyr (c. 962-978), who was murdered at a young age. The name gained widespread recognition with Edward the Confessor (c. 1003-1066), one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England before the Norman Conquest.

The name Edward appeared in various ancient texts and historical records, such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which documented the reigns of several English kings bearing the name. It also featured prominently in medieval literature, including the works of Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Edward was Edward the Elder, who ruled as King of the Anglo-Saxons from 899 to 924. Other notable historical figures named Edward include Edward I (1239-1307), known as the Hammer of the Scots for his military campaigns against Scotland, and Edward III (1312-1377), who led England to victory in the Hundred Years' War against France.

Edward VI (1537-1553) was a key figure in the English Reformation, ruling as the first Protestant monarch of England. Edward VII (1841-1910), son of Queen Victoria, presided over the British Empire at its peak during the Edwardian era. Edward VIII (1894-1972) famously abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson.