Edna is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "pleasure" or "delight". It was derived from the Hebrew word 'ednah', which referred to a state of happiness and contentment.
The name Edna first appeared in print in the late 19th century, but its usage became more widespread during the early 20th century. This was likely due to the popularity of the novel "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, published in 1899, which featured a character named Edna Pontellier.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Edna. One such example is American poet and novelist Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950), who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1924. Another prominent figure is Australian author Edna O'Brien (born 1930), known for her works exploring themes of women's lives, sexuality, and relationships.
Despite its Hebrew origin, Edna has also been associated with different cultures throughout history. In Irish culture, the name Edna may have evolved from the Gaelic word 'Eithne', which means "little bird". Additionally, the name has been used in other countries such as Wales, Scotland, and England.
Today, Edna continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a classic yet unique name for their daughter. Its meaning of "pleasure" or "delight" may contribute to its enduring appeal, reflecting the hope that their child will bring joy and happiness into their lives.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Edna has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over time in the United States.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Edna was quite popular, with over 800 births per year consistently from 1888 to 1914. The peak of this period occurred in 1912, with a total of 5136 births. This suggests that Edna was a well-liked and commonly used name during this era.
However, the popularity of Edna began to decline after World War I, with fewer than 800 births per year from 1917 onwards. By the late 1920s and early 1930s, the number of babies named Edna had fallen significantly, reaching a low point in 1957 with only 1240 births.
This downward trend continued throughout most of the second half of the century. From the 1960s to the late 1980s, there were fewer than 500 births per year on average, and even fewer than that in the 1970s. It wasn't until the early 2010s that the number of babies named Edna began to climb slightly again.
In recent years, the popularity of Edna has stabilized at around 80-100 births per year. While this is a far cry from its peak in the early 20th century, it shows that the name still retains some level of popularity among parents today.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate how tastes and trends in naming children can change dramatically over time. The name Edna may have once been highly popular, but its usage has since declined significantly. Nonetheless, it remains a recognizable and distinct name with a historical legacy in the United States.