The name Edwina is derived from the Old English words "ead" meaning "rich or prosperous" and "wine" meaning "friend." It is the feminine form of the male name Edwin, which shares the same etymology. The name likely originated in the early medieval period among the Anglo-Saxon communities of Britain.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Edwina dates back to the 12th century. The Domesday Book, a manuscript record of landholders in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086, mentions an Edwina who held land in Gloucestershire.

Edwina emerged as a popular name among the British aristocracy in the 19th century. A notable figure was Edwina Cynthia Annette Cavendish, Countess of Longford (1900-1959), an English writer and activist known for her work in prison reform and her opposition to capital punishment.

Another historically significant Edwina was Edwina Mountbatten, Countess Mountbatten of Burma (1901-1960). She was the last Vicereine of India and played a pivotal role in the transition of British India to independence in 1947. Edwina Mountbatten was also a noted humanitarian and served as the President of the St. John Ambulance Association.

In the realm of literature, Edwina Leapman (1916-2005) was a British author and journalist best known for her biographies of notable figures such as Ethel Smyth and Mary Shelley.

The name Edwina also found its way into the world of sports. Edwina Tops-Alexander (born 1974) is an Australian show jumper who has competed in several Olympic Games and won numerous international championships.

While not as common today as it once was, the name Edwina has a rich historical legacy spanning centuries, from its Anglo-Saxon origins to its association with prominent figures in various fields.