Meaning and Origin of the Name Edith
Edith’s Word Cloud
Edith is a feminine name, with roots not only in Old English, but also
in Dutch, Danish, Swedish, German, and Norwegian. It is derived from
the elements of fortune and riches, and the meaning of Edith is
“strife for wealth” and “prosperous in war.”
Popularity of the Name
From after the Norman Conquest until the fifteenth century, Edith was
a common girl name, but the popularity of Edith, seem to decline over
the next few centuries, and escalated again during the nineteenth century.
Nowadays, it is ranked in the top one thousand girls’ names in the
USA and England, while being in the top one hundred in Sweden!
Variations in the Name Edith
The name Edith has an estimated twenty-four variations. Some of these include
Editha, Edytha, Edie, Eydith, and Edye, to name just a few.
Famous People
When it comes to famous people with the name Edith, there seems to be no
shortage of individuals with this name.
In the past years, some of the most well known ones, were Edith Wharton (1862-1937),
the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize. Dame Edith Sitwell (1887-1964),
an eccentric British poet, who begin publishing in 1913. Edith Mary Evans (1988-1976),
one of the greatest English stage actress, who career spanned over fifty years.
Édith Piaf (1915-1963), a French cabaret singer whose music often reflected her life
experiences. Edith Cavell (1865-1915), a brave British nurse, who was credited
with saving the lives of many soldiers during World War 1.
In the present day, there is Edith “Eydie” Falco, a popular American actress, best
known for her role in the Sopranos. Edith Eleanor Bowman, a well known DJ on
Scottish radio
From the past to the present, through its rise, fall, and rise again in popularity,
Edith is still considered one of the oldest surviving Anglo-Saxon female name,
in existence today!
Useful Resources
- Discover the meaning and origin of other English girls’ names.
- Get these Hot Deals on baby Baby Items.
