"son of Ed, son of the wealthy guardian"
Origin: Old English (patronymic)
Language: English
Edson
Pronunciation: [ EHDS-uhn ]
Boy Name
#1,835 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
The name of legends: from Pelé to Edison
English
Brazilian
Portuguese
American
Classic
Strong
Vintage
Bold
Traditional
Meaning & Origin
"son of the prosperous protector"
Origin: Old English (ead + mund)
Language: English
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.
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
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
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
Pairs Well With
Edson James
Edson Lee
Edson Michael
Edson Xavier
Edson Cole
Edson Paul
Edson Arthur
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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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 Ed and 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.