"son of Ed, son of the wealthy guardian"
Origin: Old English (patronymic)
Language: English
Edson
Pronunciation: [ EHDS-uhn ]
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The name of legends: from Pelé to Edison
English
Brazilian
Portuguese
American
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Strong
Vintage
Bold
Traditional
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Meaning & Origin
"son of the prosperous protector"
Origin: Old English (ead + mund)
Language: English
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The Story of Edson
Edson is the English patronymic form meaning 'son of Ed,' with 'Ed' derived from the Old English 'ead' meaning wealth or fortune, combined with 'mund' (protector) in names like Edmund. In Brazil, Edson became exceptionally common in the early 20th century, and is most famously associated with the legendary footballer Pelé, whose birth name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento.
In Brazil, Edson was a popular given name from the 1900s through the mid-20th century. In the English-speaking world, its connection to Thomas Edison's legacy gave it a distinguished, inventor-associated quality. Pelé's fame elevated it globally.
In Brazil, Edson is a name forever linked to Pelé — arguably the greatest footballer in history — making it a name of national pride. In English-speaking contexts, the Edison connection (named after inventor Thomas Edison) gives it an intellectual, pioneering quality.
Historical Record
Edson first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,494 babies have been named Edson in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Edson is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,835 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Pelé's given name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, named after inventor Thomas Edison
- Thomas Edison held over 1,000 US patents, making Edson synonymous with invention and genius
Edson in Other Languages
French
Edson
German
Edson
Spanish
Edson
Portuguese
Edson
Popularity Over Time
#1,835
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Edson
P
Pelé (Edson Arantes do Nascimento)
Athlete
1940
Brazilian football legend, three-time World Cup winner, widely considered the greatest footballer of all time
T
Thomas Edison
Engineer
1847
American inventor credited with the phonograph, motion picture camera, and practical electric light bulb
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,835
- Total SSA Count
- 88
- Cultural Origins
- English Brazilian Portuguese American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ed
Eddie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Portuguese heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Edson
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Edson
What does the name Edson mean?
"son of Ed, son of the wealthy guardian" (from Old English (patronymic)). "son of the prosperous protector" (from Old English (ead + mund)). Edson is the English patronymic form meaning 'son of Ed,' with 'Ed' derived from the Old English 'ead' meaning wealth or fortune, combined with 'mund' (protector) in names like Edmund. In Brazil, Edson became exceptionally common in the early 20th century, and is most famously associated with the legendary footballer Pelé, whose birth name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento.
What is the origin of the name Edson?
Edson has Old English (patronymic), Old English (ead + mund), English, Brazilian, Portuguese, and American origins. In Old English (patronymic), it means "son of Ed, son of the wealthy guardian". In Old English (ead + mund), it means "son of the prosperous protector".
Is Edson a boy or girl name?
Edson is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Edson?
Edson is pronounced EHDS-uhn.
How popular is the name Edson?
Edson is currently ranked #1835 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Edson?
Common nicknames for Edson include Eddie.
What are good middle names for Edson?
Popular middle name pairings include Edson James, Edson Lee, Edson Michael, Edson Xavier, Edson Cole, Edson Paul, and Edson Arthur.
What are good sibling names for Edson?
Names that pair well with Edson as siblings include Thomas, Clara, Lucas, Beatriz, Rafael, Helena, and Mateus.
How many syllables does Edson have?
Edson has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Edson a common or rare name?
Edson is an uncommon name, ranked #1835 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Edson
Edson is a boy name with English, Brazilian, Portuguese, and American origins . The name means "son of Ed, son of the wealthy guardian" in Old English (patronymic) .
Edson is currently ranked #1,835 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Edson has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHDS-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Edson include Ed and Eddie. 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