Edward is a highly popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #24 in 2018 with 2,197 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2015 with 2,593 births ranking #26. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 32.5%. In 2018, approximately 1 in every 142 boys born was named Edward. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Edward is a major old English classic meaning "wealthy guardian" or "prosperous protector". It has centuries of royal and historical use behind it, which gives it unusual stability.
The name was borne by several English kings and later remained important in aristocratic, literary, and family naming traditions. It feels formal in full but offers approachable short forms like Ed and Eddie.