Edith

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Edith

Edith is an English girl name, which has 5 letters.

Edith is a name of English origin that means "prosperous in war." It is derived from the Old English elements ēad ("prosperity, fortune") and gyth ("war").

Alternate Meaning Happy

Origin or Current Usage English

Gender F

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

Detailed Information About The Name Edith

Edith is a feminine given name derived from the Old English elements "ead," meaning "wealth" or "fortune," and "gȳð," meaning "war." The name was first recorded in England during the 9th century and gained popularity among Anglo-Saxons. Throughout history, numerous notable figures have borne the name Edith.

In Anglo-Saxon England, Saint Edith of Wilton was known for her dedication to religious life in the 10th century. She became the patron saint of the city of Wilton, where she established a nunnery. Edith Stein, also known as Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, was a prominent philosopher and Roman Catholic nun in the 20th century. Born into a Jewish family, she later converted to Catholicism and denounced Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime, tragically perishing in the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Edith Wharton, an American novelist and short story writer, achieved considerable success in the early 20th century. She became the first woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her novel "The Age of Innocence." Another renowned Edith in literature is Edith Nesbit, an English author who wrote many beloved children's books, including "The Railway Children" and "Five Children and It."

The name Edith has also been associated with pop culture icons. Edith Piaf, born Édith Giovanna Gassion, was a French singer known for her passionate performances and soulful voice. She remains one of the most widely recognized French music personalities to this day. Edith Crawley, a fictional character in the popular television series "Downton Abbey," portrayed the progressive and independent-minded daughter of an aristocratic family during the early 20th century.

Overall, the name Edith has a rich history, symbolizing strength, creativity, and resilience. Its deep roots in literature, spirituality, and popular culture have contributed to its enduring appeal and widespread usage.

Similar English Baby Names

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names