Edith
/ˈiː.dɪθ/
Edith derives from the Old English Ēadgyð, composed of ēad (riches, prosperity) and gyð (war, battle). The name was borne by Anglo-Saxon royalty long before the Norman Conquest.
Saint Edith of Wilton (961–984), daughter of King Edgar the Peaceful, gave the name its strongest early sacred association. She refused the throne to remain in her convent, becoming a symbol of pious humility in medieval England.
Edith peaked at No. 26 in 1894 with 1,820 births, making it one of the defining names of the Victorian era. In 2024, it ranks No. 528 with 579 births, rising steadily in the vintage revival.
What the name Edith means
First Lady Edith Wilson effectively ran the executive branch during her husband’s illness. French chanteuse Édith Piaf gave the name an indelible artistic association through songs like La Vie en rose.
Two syllables—EE-dith—carry a clean, crisp sound with a distinctive th ending that sets it apart from softer vintage names. It feels strong and uncompromising.
The television series Downton Abbey revived interest in Edith through the character Lady Edith Crawley. The show introduced the name to a new generation of parents.
Variants include Édith (French), Edyta (Polish), Edit (Hungarian/Swedish), and the diminutive Edie. All preserve the Anglo-Saxon etymological foundation.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Edith
Edith - similar names
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