"son of Edie (son of Edward)"
Origin: Old English ead (wealth) + weard (guard)
Language: English
Edison
Pronunciation: [ EHD-ihs-uhn ]
Boy Name
#828 Most Popular
Rising
3 Syllables
The inventor surname become a modern first name
American
English
Modern
Strong
Classic
Bold
Unique
Meaning & Origin
"son of the wealthy guardian"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
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.
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)
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
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
Pairs Well With
Edison James
Edison Cole
Edison Lane
Edison Gray
Edison Lee
Edison Paul
Edison Scott
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Edison is also used as a girl name, ranked #12542.
View Edison as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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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 Ed, 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.