Surname Edwards - Meaning and Origin

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R. Edwards

Edwards: What does the surname Edwards mean?

The surname Edwards is of English origin and it means "son of Edward". The first part of the surname, "Edward", is derived from an Old English personal name which is composed of two parts "ead" and "weard" that translates to "wealth or fortune" and "guard" respectively. Therefore, Edward means "guardian of riches". This name grew in popularity in England and Wales as it was borne by three of England’s kings including Edward the Confessor before the Norman Conquest. The "s" at the end of Edwards signifies "son of", a common convention in surnames from the region during that period. So someone with the surname Edwards can interpret it as being the "son of Edward" or "descendant of the guardian of riches". As a patronymic surname, it may have been originally used in medieval times to denote actual familial relationships, but later became a fixed hereditary surname.

Edwards: Where does the name Edwards come from?

The surname Edwards originates from England and derives from the Old English personal name "Eadweard," meaning "rich or happy," and "guard." The name was popular among Anglo-Saxon nobility and was given more prominence by the reign of King Edward the Confessor before the Norman Conquest of 1066. The surname first appeared in records during the 13th century and is often patronymic, typically meaning "son of Edward."

Even today, Edwards is predominantly found in English-speaking countries. It's particularly common in Wales, partly because of Edwards's adoption as an anglicized version of Welsh patronymic surnames, such as ap Edward ("son of Edward"). The name is also prominent in the United States, England, Canada, and Australia, reflecting patterns of British colonization and emigration. Many prominent individuals bear the name, including politicians, actors, athletes, and academics, further contributing to its familiarity and use. Despite its English origins, Edwards has established a global presence due to migratory patterns over the centuries.

Variations of the surname Edwards

The surname Edwards is of English origin and it means "son of Edward".

Its variants and alternate spellings include Edouard, Edward, Edwardson, Eddowes, Eadwards, Edwardes, Edwardes, Ewards, Eduards and Eadweardes.

The frequency and use of these variants may vary based on the region and country. For instance, Edouard is more common in French-speaking countries, while Eduards may be found in countries with a Latvian background. The use of a 'son' ending, as in Edwardson, is commonly seen in Nordic countries where the surname often reflects lineage.

In terms of surnames of the same origin (that is, surnames that are patronymic and derived from the personal name Edward), these could include names such as Eddy or Ted, which are often used as diminutives of Edward.

While Edwards is a common surname in countries such as England, Wales, and the United States, it has also been adopted and adapted by families from non-English speaking countries, leading to a wide range of variants influenced by the phonetics and grammar rules of those languages.

Please note variation and origin of surnames can be complex and influenced by factors such as migration, translation, and changes in language over time, so the above variants are examples but may not cover every possible variation.

Famous people with the name Edwards

• Jonathan Edwards: An American revivalist preacher, philosopher, and theologian.
• Edwards III: A famous entertainer who is a member of the rock band 'Lynyrd Skynyrd.'
• Terri Sue Edwards: Girlfriend of actor Clint Eastwood.
• Perrie Edwards: A member of the famous British girl group 'Little Mix.'
• John Edwards: Former U.S. senator and Democratic presidential candidate.
• Gareth Edwards: A British film director, famous for directing 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.'
• Anthony Edwards: An American actor known for his role on the television series 'ER.'
• Blake Edwards: An American film director, screenwriter, and producer.
• Jonathan Edwards: A British athlete and triple jumper.
• Ralph Edwards: An American television producer and host.
• Eleanor Edwards: A famous eighteenth-century engraver.
• Donnie Edwards: A retired American professional football player.
• John Reid Edwards: A former U.S. senator from North Carolina.
• Benny Edwards: A British, award-winning documentary filmmaker.
• Stacy Edwards: An American actress known for her film and television work.
• Doug Edwards: A former professional basketball player in the NBA.

Other surnames

EdwardEdwardesEdwardhEdwardson