name
Common
Edward
EHD-wuhd
Edward (name) means a male given name from Old English, borne by numerous kings of England. Example: “Edward the Confessor built Westminster Abbey.”
name
1
A male given name from Old English, borne by numerous kings of England.
"Edward the Confessor built Westminster Abbey."
"The engineers are Akash Bobba, Edward Coristine, Luke Farritor, Gautier Cole Killian, Gavin Kliger, and Ethan Shaotran."
— Vittoria Elliott, The Young, Inexperienced Engineers Aiding Elon Musk’s Government Takeover (2025)
noun
1
A historic English gold coin issued during the reign of a King Edward.
"The collector prized a rare gold Edward from the medieval period."
How to use Edward
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA classic English given name, historically royal.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Edwards
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_____ the Confessor built Westminster Abbey.
Etymology
From Old English Ēadweard, combining ēad ("wealth, riches") and weard ("guard, protector") — literally "rich guardian."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “Edward” mean?
The word “Edward” means a male given name from Old English, borne by numerous kings of England. In plain terms, a classic English given name, historically royal.
How do you pronounce “Edward”?
“Edward” is pronounced EHD-wuhd (/ˈɛdwɚd/ in IPA).
How do you use “Edward” in a sentence?
Here is “Edward” used in a sentence: “Edward the Confessor built Westminster Abbey.”
What part of speech is “Edward”?
Depending on how it is used, “Edward” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Edward” come from?
The word “Edward” comes from Old English. From Old English Ēadweard, combining ēad ("wealth, riches") and weard ("guard, protector") — literally "rich guardian.".
Is “Edward” a common word?
“Edward” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Edward” have?
“Edward” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a male given name from Old English, borne by numerous kings of England.
What does the name Edward mean?
Edward comes from the Old English "Eadweard," combining "ead," meaning wealth or fortune, with "weard," meaning guard or protector. Together it means roughly "wealthy guardian." It is one of the few Anglo-Saxon names that stayed popular after the Norman Conquest, thanks partly to its royal associations.
What are common nicknames for Edward?
Edward has many familiar short forms, including Ed, Eddie, Ted, Teddy, and Ned. Ted and Ned grew from medieval rhyming nicknames for the name. These affectionate forms remain widely used today, and several have taken on a life of their own as independent given names.
How many kings were named Edward?
Several English and British kings bore the name, from Edward the Elder and Edward the Confessor to Edward I through Edward VIII. Edward the Confessor, an Anglo-Saxon king, was later made a saint. This long royal history helped keep the name in steady, respected use for centuries.
Is Edward still a popular name?
Yes. Though less common than at its historical peak, Edward remains a well-loved classic across English-speaking countries, valued for its royal heritage and timeless feel. Its many nicknames — Ed, Ted, Ned — give parents flexibility, and the name has enjoyed renewed interest in recent decades.
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