"son of Edie (son of Edward)"
Origin: Old English ead (wealth) + weard (guard)
Language: English
Edison
Pronunciation: [ EHD-ihs-uhn ]
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Meaning & Origin
"son of the wealthy guardian"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
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The Story of Edison
Edison is an English surname and given name meaning son of Edie (a medieval diminutive of Edward, from Old English ead meaning wealth/fortune and weard meaning guard). While it began as a patronymic surname, it has been increasingly used as a first name since the late 20th century, overwhelmingly associated with inventor Thomas Alva Edison.
Edison has risen sharply as a given name since the 2010s, driven by the trend of honoring great scientists and inventors. It entered the U.S. top 500 around 2016 and has climbed steadily, appealing to parents who want to evoke brilliance and innovation.
Thomas Edison (1847-1931) was America most prolific inventor, holding 1,093 patents including the phonograph and practical electric light bulb. Choosing Edison as a first name is a tribute to this legacy of ingenuity.
Historical Record
Edison first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 9,690 babies have been named Edison in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Edison is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #828 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Thomas Edison filed 1,093 patents - more than any other inventor in U.S. history
- Edison is particularly popular as a given name in Brazil, where it consistently ranks in the top 100
Edison in Other Languages
French
Edison
Spanish
Edison
Portuguese
Edison (popular in Brazil)
Popularity Over Time
#828
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Edison
E
Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele)
Athlete
1940
Brazilian football legend widely considered the greatest player of all time
T
Thomas Alva Edison
Scientist
1847
American inventor who developed the phonograph, motion picture camera, and practical incandescent light bulb
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #828
- Total SSA Count
- 300
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ed
Eddie
Eddy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Edison
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Edison is also used as a girl name, ranked #12542.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Edison
What does the name Edison mean?
"son of Edie (son of Edward)" (from Old English ead (wealth) + weard (guard)). "son of the wealthy guardian" (from Old English). Edison is an English surname and given name meaning son of Edie (a medieval diminutive of Edward, from Old English ead meaning wealth/fortune and weard meaning guard). While it began as a patronymic surname, it has been increasingly used as a first name since the late 20th century, overwhelmingly associated with inventor Thomas Alva Edison.
What is the origin of the name Edison?
Edison has Old English ead (wealth) + weard (guard), Old English, American, and English origins. In Old English ead (wealth) + weard (guard), it means "son of Edie (son of Edward)". In Old English, it means "son of the wealthy guardian".
Is Edison a boy or girl name?
Edison is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #828. As a girl name, it is ranked #12542. Edison is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Edison?
Edison is pronounced EHD-ihs-uhn.
How popular is the name Edison?
Edison is currently ranked #828 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Edison?
Common nicknames for Edison include Eddie and Eddy.
What are good middle names for Edison?
Popular middle name pairings include Edison James, Edison Cole, Edison Lane, Edison Gray, Edison Lee, Edison Paul, and Edison Scott.
What are good sibling names for Edison?
Names that pair well with Edison as siblings include Darwin, Ada, Rosalind, Archer, Miles, Emmett, and Wren.
How many syllables does Edison have?
Edison has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Edison a common or rare name?
Edison is moderately common, ranked #828 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Edison
Edison is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "son of Edie (son of Edward)" in Old English ead (wealth) + weard (guard) .
Is Edison a boy or girl name? Edison is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #828 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #12,542. Edison is more commonly used as a boy name.
Edison is currently ranked #828 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Edison has 3 syllables and is pronounced EHD-ihs-uhn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Edison include Ed, Eddie, and Eddy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis