Edsel is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It was first used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name in the United States during the early 20th century.
The name Edsel is believed to have originated from the Old English word "ead" which means prosperity or wealthy, combined with the Old Norse element "hálf" meaning bold or strong. Thus, the name Edsel could be interpreted as meaning "prosperous and bold" or "wealthy and strong."
The most famous bearer of the name Edsel is Henry Ford's only son, Edsel Bryant Ford (1893-1943), who played a significant role in his father's automobile company, Ford Motor Company. Edsel Ford served as president of the company from 1919 until his death in 1943. In honor of their son, Henry and Clara Ford named their only grandson, born in 1953, Edsel Ford II.
Despite its historical association with the Ford family, Edsel is not a particularly common given name today. However, it remains an intriguing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Edsel has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past century in the United States.
The name's peak popularity occurred between 1925 and 1927, with 224 births in 1927 being the highest recorded number. This period marks the beginning of a significant rise in the usage of the name Edsel, suggesting that it may have been introduced or gained favor during this time.
However, after reaching its peak, the popularity of the name Edsel began to decline steadily. By 1934, the number of births with the name had decreased to 56, and it continued to fluctuate but remained relatively low throughout the following decades.
In recent years, the name Edsel has seen a resurgence in popularity, albeit on a smaller scale compared to its peak. In 2018, there were 15 births with the name Edsel, which is higher than the numbers recorded between 1940 and 1976. This indicates that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, it continues to be used among a small but steady number of parents.
Overall, based on these statistics, the name Edsel has had its ups and downs in popularity over time. While it was quite popular during the 1920s, it has since declined and maintained a relatively low level of usage throughout most of the following decades. However, there are signs of renewed interest in the name in recent years.