Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Edwin
BoyOld English· “rich friend”
- Meaning
- rich friend
- Origin
- Old English
- Pronunciation
- EHD-win
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #398
- US babies 2025
- 798
- Best rank
- #52 (1919)
- Peak year
- 1922
Meaning and origin of Edwin
Edwin is an Old English name that means “rich friend”.
Edwin comes from the Old English Eadwine, built from ead, meaning "wealth" or "fortune," and wine, meaning "friend." It is one of the Anglo-Saxon names that survived the Norman Conquest, helped by the memory of Edwin, the seventh-century king of Northumbria who was later venerated as a saint and martyr. The name enjoyed a strong revival in Victorian England and in America, where it sat comfortably beside Edgar and Edmund. Today it reads as a gentle vintage choice, scholarly and kind rather than flashy. Ed, Eddie and Win are all possible nicknames, and the full name ages gracefully.
Popularity over time
Edwin has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #52 in 1919, and the most babies received it in 1922, when 3,827 were named Edwin. In 2025, 798 babies were named Edwin, and it ranked #398 nationally. That is 30% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #53 in 1920, #117 in 1950, #188 in 1980, #195 in 2000, #209 in 2010, and #398 in 2025. Of the 247,553 US boys named Edwin since records began, 14% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 26,213 babies. Since 2010, 17,464 more have been named Edwin.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Herman, Wallace, Lewis, Harvey, and Leonard.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Edwin ranked highest in Maryland, Oregon, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #235 | 24 |
| Oregon | #269 | 16 |
| Minnesota | #280 | 22 |
| South Carolina | #301 | 18 |
| Nebraska | #306 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Edwin is usually pronounced EHD-win, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with E and ends in “-in”.
Middle names for Edwin
A few middle names that flow with Edwin: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Edwin
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Lists that include Edwin
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Edwin mean?
Edwin is an Old English name that means “rich friend”.
What is the origin of the name Edwin?
Edwin has Old English roots. Edwin comes from the Old English Eadwine, built from ead, meaning "wealth" or "fortune," and wine, meaning "friend." It is one of the Anglo-Saxon names that survived the Norman Conquest, helped by the memory of Edwin, the seventh-century king of Northumbria who was later venerated as a saint and martyr.
Is Edwin a popular name?
Yes. Edwin ranked #398 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Edwin a boy or girl name?
Edwin is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Edwin?
Edwin is usually pronounced EHD-win. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings