EDWARDS
Edwards
Origin and Meaning
The surname Edwards is of English and Welsh origin, derived from the given name Edward. The name Edward is of Old English and Old Welsh origins, and its meaning is generally interpreted as "wealthy guardian" or "rich guard."
History
The surname Edwards has a long history dating back to medieval times. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally derived from the personal name of an ancestor, typically the father. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.
The name became popular in Wales due to the influence of the English monarchy. Many Welsh families adopted the surname Edwards as a way to show allegiance to the English crown. As a result, the name is widespread in both England and Wales.
Notable Bearers
The surname Edwards has been borne by numerous notable individuals throughout history, including:
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Jonathan Edwards - A renowned Welsh-born preacher and theologian who played a significant role in the First Great Awakening in America.
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Elizabeth Edwards - An American attorney, author, and public figure, known for her advocacy work on healthcare and poverty issues.
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Gareth Edwards - A former Welsh rugby union player who went on to become a successful coach, leading Wales to multiple Six Nations titles.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the surname Edwards include Edwardes, Edwardson, and Edwardine. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects or changes in spelling over time.
Modern Distribution
The surname Edwards remains a common surname in the United Kingdom, particularly in Wales and England. It has also spread to other parts of the world through migration and emigration, becoming prevalent in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
There are approximately 158,521 people named Edwards in the UK. That makes it the 20th most common surname in Britain. Around 2,434 in a million people in Britain are named Edwards.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Wales
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Welsh
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.