The name Edith carries a legacy of strength and prosperity, embodying the essence of "rich battle." It’s a name steeped in history, experiencing waves of popularity and enduring as a timeless choice for parents seeking a classic and meaningful name for their daughters.
The Meaning and Origins of Edith
The name Edith boasts Old English origins, directly translating to "rich battle." This powerful combination suggests a character marked by both affluence and a fighting spirit. It implies someone capable of achieving success and overcoming challenges with grace and determination. The “rich” aspect refers not only to material wealth, but also richness of character, wisdom, and inner strength. This makes Edith a name that speaks of resilience and fortitude.
Historical Popularity Trends
Edith enjoyed a significant surge in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name peaked in the 1890s, becoming a prevalent choice for families across various social strata. While its prominence has since receded, Edith never completely disappeared from the naming landscape. In recent years, there’s been a notable resurgence in its usage, indicating a renewed appreciation for its vintage charm and strong meaning.
To understand the name’s trajectory, let’s examine the historical data:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 35 | 2,586 | 0.7345% |
| 1911 | 31 | 2,816 | 0.7562% |
| 1912 | 31 | 3,835 | 0.7605% |
| 1913 | 29 | 4,363 | 0.7695% |
| 1914 | 31 | 5,208 | 0.7473% |
| 1915 | 31 | 6,757 | 0.7437% |
| 1916 | 28 | 7,305 | 0.7562% |
| 1917 | 28 | 7,531 | 0.7528% |
| 1918 | 30 | 7,851 | 0.7315% |
| 1919 | 29 | 7,764 | 0.7415% |
| 1920 | 32 | 7,773 | 0.6991% |
| 1921 | 33 | 7,583 | 0.6622% |
| 1922 | 34 | 7,132 | 0.6402% |
| 1923 | 36 | 6,829 | 0.6097% |
| 1924 | 36 | 6,888 | 0.5931% |
| 1925 | 42 | 6,271 | 0.5548% |
| 1926 | 42 | 5,787 | 0.5262% |
| 1927 | 48 | 5,401 | 0.4879% |
| 1928 | 56 | 4,840 | 0.4523% |
| 1929 | 59 | 4,453 | 0.4299% |
| 1930 | 61 | 4,271 | 0.4089% |
| 1931 | 65 | 3,768 | 0.3818% |
| 1932 | 68 | 3,562 | 0.3605% |
| 1933 | 79 | 3,108 | 0.3336% |
| 1934 | 81 | 3,008 | 0.3112% |
| 1935 | 87 | 2,825 | 0.2907% |
| 1936 | 87 | 2,756 | 0.2861% |
| 1937 | 96 | 2,644 | 0.2683% |
| 1938 | 102 | 2,589 | 0.2529% |
| 1939 | 101 | 2,472 | 0.243% |
| 1940 | 98 | 2,501 | 0.2353% |
| 1941 | 101 | 2,458 | 0.2184% |
| 1942 | 113 | 2,452 | 0.1942% |
| 1943 | 118 | 2,375 | 0.1819% |
| 1944 | 123 | 2,172 | 0.1753% |
| 1945 | 131 | 1,834 | 0.1504% |
| 1946 | 136 | 1,963 | 0.133% |
| 1947 | 136 | 2,186 | 0.131% |
| 1948 | 138 | 2,075 | 0.13% |
| 1949 | 145 | 2,048 | 0.1273% |
| 1950 | 150 | 1,946 | 0.1209% |
| 1951 | 165 | 1,836 | 0.1083% |
| 1952 | 183 | 1,627 | 0.0932% |
| 1953 | 202 | 1,504 | 0.085% |
| 1954 | 211 | 1,400 | 0.0766% |
| 1955 | 204 | 1,505 | 0.0818% |
| 1956 | 210 | 1,459 | 0.0772% |
| 1957 | 223 | 1,395 | 0.0725% |
| 1958 | 231 | 1,293 | 0.0684% |
| 1959 | 234 | 1,334 | 0.0702% |
| 1960 | 243 | 1,260 | 0.0665% |
| 1961 | 264 | 1,129 | 0.0598% |
| 1962 | 285 | 988 | 0.0538% |
| 1963 | 294 | 956 | 0.0533% |
| 1964 | 295 | 936 | 0.0532% |
| 1965 | 298 | 857 | 0.0524% |
| 1966 | 312 | 765 | 0.049% |
| 1967 | 342 | 637 | 0.042% |
| 1968 | 366 | 563 | 0.0375% |
| 1969 | 379 | 569 | 0.0369% |
| 1970 | 387 | 567 | 0.0356% |
| 1971 | 408 | 486 | 0.0323% |
| 1972 | 417 | 426 | 0.0313% |
| 1973 | 443 | 384 | 0.0296% |
| 1974 | 464 | 342 | 0.0263% |
| 1975 | 478 | 341 | 0.0265% |
| 1976 | 464 | 369 | 0.0286% |
| 1977 | 545 | 286 | 0.0212% |
| 1978 | 558 | 270 | 0.0201% |
| 1979 | 568 | 275 | 0.0195% |
| 1980 | 559 | 293 | 0.02% |
| 1981 | 584 | 262 | 0.0178% |
| 1982 | 654 | 221 | 0.0148% |
| 1983 | 615 | 234 | 0.0159% |
| 1984 | 613 | 245 | 0.0165% |
| 1985 | 616 | 255 | 0.0168% |
| 1986 | 596 | 272 | 0.018% |
| 1987 | 636 | 246 | 0.0161% |
| 1988 | 644 | 256 | 0.0164% |
| 1989 | 595 | 318 | 0.0197% |
| 1990 | 560 | 371 | 0.0224% |
| 1991 | 546 | 382 | 0.0234% |
| 1992 | 551 | 383 | 0.024% |
| 1993 | 589 | 359 | 0.023% |
| 1994 | 508 | 448 | 0.0292% |
| 1995 | 449 | 535 | 0.0355% |
| 1996 | 582 | 351 | 0.0234% |
| 1997 | 553 | 381 | 0.0258% |
| 1998 | 614 | 344 | 0.023% |
| 1999 | 589 | 376 | 0.0251% |
| 2000 | 574 | 411 | 0.0269% |
| 2001 | 587 | 389 | 0.0258% |
| 2002 | 573 | 410 | 0.0274% |
| 2003 | 688 | 333 | 0.0219% |
| 2004 | 658 | 368 | 0.0241% |
| 2005 | 632 | 396 | 0.0259% |
| 2006 | 629 | 412 | 0.0263% |
| 2007 | 734 | 346 | 0.0219% |
| 2008 | 801 | 302 | 0.0195% |
| 2009 | 856 | 268 | 0.0179% |
| 2010 | 813 | 276 | 0.0192% |
| 2011 | 742 | 315 | 0.0221% |
| 2012 | 724 | 326 | 0.0229% |
| 2013 | 688 | 351 | 0.0247% |
| 2014 | 614 | 409 | 0.0281% |
| 2015 | 505 | 564 | 0.0388% |
| 2016 | 472 | 605 | 0.042% |
| 2017 | 456 | 622 | 0.0446% |
| 2018 | 486 | 568 | 0.0413% |
| 2019 | 475 | 589 | 0.0435% |
| 2020 | 472 | 590 | 0.0464% |
| 2021 | 480 | 569 | 0.0465% |
| 2022 | 522 | 559 | 0.0424% |
| 2023 | 511 | 561 | 0.0433% |
As the data shows, Edith has been steadily climbing the ranks in recent years, suggesting a modern renaissance for this strong, classic name.
Variations and Similar Names
If you’re drawn to Edith but seeking alternatives, numerous variations and names with a similar feel exist:
Variations:
- Dita
- Eadie
- Eadith
- Eda
- Ede
- Edee
- Edi
- Edie
- Edita
- Editha
- Edithe
- Ediva
- Edy
- Edyth
- Edytha
- Edythe
- Eidith
- Eidyth
- Eidytha
- Eyde
- Eydie
- Eydith
Names that sound similar:
- Aditi
- Judith
Similar Names:
- Eden
Sibling Names
Parents who choose Edith often select these names for their other children:
- Anthony
A Timeless Choice
Edith is more than just a name; it’s a statement. It’s a nod to the past while embracing the future. Its rich meaning, historical significance, and recent resurgence in popularity make it a compelling choice for parents seeking a name that embodies strength, prosperity, and enduring elegance. The name Edith continues to be a symbol of timeless beauty.