Edwina is a feminine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the ancient Welsh name Edwyn, which is composed of two elements: "Eiddylated" meaning "rich" or "blessed", and "yn" meaning "bear". Therefore, Edwina can be interpreted as "rich bear" or "blessed bear".
The name Edwina has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. It was used by several prominent Welsh families during this period, including the powerful lord of Glamorgan, Ifor Bach, whose daughter was named Edgolina in the late 14th century.
Although the name fell out of fashion for some time, it experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian era. Today, Edwina is still considered a unique and elegant choice for a girl's name, offering a beautiful blend of Welsh heritage and timeless charm.
The given statistics provide an interesting insight into the popularity of the name Edwina over time in the United States.
From 1881 to around the mid-20th century, there was a consistent increase in the number of girls named Edwina at birth each year. The name peaked in popularity between 1942 and 1962, with over 350 births per year during these decades.
However, after the 1960s, there was a significant decrease in the popularity of the name Edwina. From 1973 onwards, fewer than 100 girls were named Edwina each year on average. This trend has continued into the 21st century, with only around 5-10 births per year currently recorded.
Despite its decline in recent years, the total number of births registered as Edwina in the United States since 1881 is an impressive 15452. This indicates that while the name may not be as popular today as it once was, it still has a significant historical presence and remains a unique choice for parents looking to give their daughter a distinctive name with a rich heritage.
It's fascinating to observe how cultural trends and personal preferences evolve over time through these statistics on the naming practices of American families.