baby name EdwinThe baby name Edwin combines a modern word name with old school style.

Thanks to Frances for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.

RICH FRIEND

With roots in Old English, the baby name Edwin shares the ead of Edward, Edgar, and Edmund, meaning wealth. The second syllable is heard in Alvin – it comes from wine, friend.

So the meaning feels auspicious.

SAINT AND KING

Way back around the year 586, Edwin – or Eadwine – was born a prince. He eventually became King of Northumbria, reigning for twenty years and bringing peace to his kingdom. Because he converted to Christianity, he’s considered a saint.

Plenty of other historical figures answered to the name in the same era. But then the name faded, as so many Old English favorites did, following the Norman invasion.

REVIVAL

Sometimes we imagine only twenty-first century parents seek out vintage gems. Turns out that’s been happening for ages.

Nineteenth century authors and parents alike revived bunches of Anglo-Saxon favorites, with simplified spellings. Ethel and Edith trended for girls. For boys, names like Alfred, Alvin, Edmund, and Edwin all came roaring back.

Accordingly, Edwin has ranked in the US Top 1000 every year for which we have data – from 1880 onward. And while it’s far from the Top 100, it’s not obscure – 1000 boys were named Edwin in 2018 alone.

FICTIONAL EDWINS

Still, maybe you don’t know any actual Edwins.

You might think of a literary reference or two.

There’s Charles Dickens’ The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Published in 1870, the novel was Dickens’ last. Since it is a mystery, I’ll say no more about the plot.

For a more contemporary reference, Edwin Jarvis appears in the Marvel universe. Tony Stark named his AI assistant Jarvis in the Avengers movies. But Peggy Carter and Howard Stark work with the man himself, butler to the Stark family, and a key figure in young Tony’s life.

HUBBLE & BUZZ

It’s often easy to miss an Edwin. They go by Eddie or Ed, and we assume they’re Edwards.

But a few come to mind. There’s astronomer Edwin Hubble, for whom the Hubble telescope is named.

And while we’re stargazing, let’s not forget Edwin Aldrin – better known as the astronaut Buzz Aldrin. As part of the Apollo 11 mission, he and Neil Armstrong became the first two humans to set foot on the moon.

WIN

But the reason the name might succeed today has little to do with any of that. Classic status is great, of course, as are accomplished namesakes.

But some of Edwin’s appeal likely comes down to the name’s second syllable.

To win is to be victorious. The word also has Old English roots, ultimately from a Germanic element. It means to strive and to struggle; to overcome.

Singer Chiara and football player Russell Wilson recently named their son Win – just Win. The name was give to six boys in 2018, so it’s quite rare – but not completely unknown.

The baby name Edwin offers an elegant compromise – it’s a classic name with deep roots, and literary and scientific associations. And yet, it also comes with a built-in nickname that fits with Ace and Legend and Maverick.

That makes Edwin among the most flexible of choices – a banker and a varsity athlete.

BY THE NUMBERS

Despite the appeal of the baby name Edwin, it remains relatively rare today.

Right through the 1930s, the name regularly appeared in the US Top 100. It didn’t leave the Top 200 until 2009. Today, the name has fallen to #358 – a low.

And yet, that’s far from obscure. It’s nicely positioned, somewhere between the classic and popular choices like Henry and Theodore and the more obscure Alfred and Harold.

If you’re after a versatile name that’s part-classic, part-cool, Edwin might be the surprise sleeper name for you.

Would you consider the baby name Edwin?

baby name Edwin

About Abby Sandel

Whether you're naming a baby, or just all about names, you've come to the right place! Appellation Mountain is a haven for lovers of obscure gems and enduring classics alike.

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3 Comments

  1. Aww, thanks Abby! This is a great write up!! You’ve captured everything I love about this name.

    At almost 2, Edwin is the youngest of our five children, and the third boy. It was a family name for us on both sides (though not close family) which gave us the push we needed. And while we are prepared for Ed/Eddie and some stage, not one person has even attempted to shorten it yet. I love it as is and am so happy we used it.

  2. We named my oldest son Edwin, and we have just loved this name, and feel he truly fits the meaning, as he is a jovial, kindhearted boy. Paired with sister Ruby and baby brother Oliver, the three names make a nice vintage-sounding trio. We have gotten so many compliments on Edwin’s name, with many saying that it is a great alternative to Edward, since that was popularized by Twilight fans recently. We love that it’s unique, but recognizable- no one in his school has this name, and yet, it’s familiar enough that everyone recognizes it and knows how to spell it. =

  3. We have an Edward, called Edward, (or sometimes affectionately Warden at home, which was totally unplanned), and we LOVE it. It’s a family name that goes way back, but Edwin is my second favorite of the Ed- names. They are such strong names. I thought Edward might be too big a name for a baby/toddler, but my little one wears it so well. People know how to spell and pronounce them, but they aren’t super common. We get a lot of, “oh that’s my son/nephew/brother’s middle name” comments. And I think Ward and Win are pretty cool nicknames that travel well to adulthood if you prefer nicknames.