Edmond is a classic and timeless male given name with a rich history and distinct origins. It has its roots in the Germanic language and culture, derived from the Old German word "Adalhelm," which means "noble helmet." Over time, this name evolved into its current form, Edmond.
The name Edmond became popular in England during the Middle Ages due to its use by several royal figures. One of the most notable was Saint Edmund, who was King of East Anglia in the 9th century. Despite being a king, he was known for his pious and humble nature, eventually becoming a saint after his death.
In literature, Edmond is also associated with the tragic hero in William Shakespeare's play "King Lear." The character of Edmund in this play is one of Shakespeare's most memorable villains, further adding to the name's intrigue and complexity.
Today, Edmond remains a respected and enduring choice for parents naming their sons. It has a certain vintage charm while still sounding modern and approachable. Its meaning, "noble helmet," carries a sense of strength, courage, and protection, making it an appealing option for many families. Overall, Edmond is a name with deep roots in history, rich in symbolism, and versatile enough to suit various tastes and preferences.
The name Edmond has been a popular choice among parents in the United States for over a century, with its usage trends fluctuating over time. Between 1880 and 2023, there were a total of 24,757 births registered with the first name Edmond.
The name's popularity peaked in the early 20th century, particularly during World War I when there was a significant increase in births with this name. In 1916 alone, there were 365 babies named Edmond, which was the highest number recorded in any year during this period. This high point was maintained for the following years, with 358 births in 1917 and 427 births in 1918.
However, after World War I, the popularity of the name Edmond started to decline. By the late 1920s, the number of babies named Edmond had decreased significantly, reaching a low point of 264 births in 1937. This downward trend continued throughout most of the 20th century.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Edmond. Although it is still not as common as it was during its peak in the early 1900s, there were 78 births registered with this name in 2022 and 58 births in 2023, indicating that parents continue to consider Edmond as an appealing choice for their children's names.