Edmund is a classic boy's name of English origin, derived from the Old English elements "ead" meaning wealth or prosperity, and "mund" meaning protection. It was popular during the Middle Ages in England and continues to be used today, although its usage has declined somewhat over time.
The name Edmund first appeared in literature in the 10th century Anglo-Saxon epic poem "Beowulf," where it is borne by one of the characters. In this context, Edmund is portrayed as a wise and noble king, which may have contributed to the name's popularity during this period.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Edmund. One of the most famous was Saint Edmund, also known as Edmund the Martyr, who was an Anglo-Saxon king of East Anglia in the 9th century. According to legend, Edmund refused to renounce his Christian faith even under threat of death by the Danish invaders, and he was eventually martyred for his beliefs. He became a popular saint in medieval England and was revered as a symbol of courage and faith.
Another notable figure named Edmund was Edmund Hillary, the New Zealand mountaineer who was the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. His achievement brought great honor and admiration for him and his country, further popularizing the name Edmund at that time.
While Edmund is no longer as commonly used as it once was, it remains a timeless and dignified name with a rich history behind it. It has been associated with wisdom, nobility, courage, and faith throughout its long usage in English-speaking cultures. Parents who choose this name for their child may be drawn to its classic sound and meaning, as well as its connection to historical figures like Saint Edmund and Sir Edmund Hillary.
The given statistics reveal the annual births of boys named Edmund in the United States from 1912 to 1930 and again in 1979. Over this span of time, there were a total of 60 babies born with the name Edmund.
Starting in 1912, there were five boys named Edmund each year until 1919. The number of births then decreased to zero for several years before increasing again to five in 1922. This trend continued with fluctuations, reaching a peak of seven births in both 1924 and 1926. After 1926, the number of newborns named Edmund steadily decreased, with five or fewer births each year until 1930.
After a gap of several decades, there was another birth of a boy named Edmund in 1979, bringing the total count to sixty over the entire period. This data provides insight into the popularity and trends of the name Edmund among parents in the United States during these specific years.