Edna is a name that has been around for centuries and is still popular today. Its origins can be traced back to Hebrew, where it means “rejuvenation” or “delight.” It is a name that has been used for both boys and girls, but it is now more commonly given to girls.
The name Edna has a rich history and can be found in various religious texts. For instance, the Old Testament Apocrypha mentions several women named Edna, including the wives of Enoch, Methuselah, and Terah. Additionally, the name may be an Anglicized form of the Irish and Scottish name Eithne, which means “kernel” in Gaelic. Despite its ancient roots, Edna remains a popular name choice for modern parents.
Etymology of Edna
Edna is a feminine given name with Hebrew origin, which means “delight” or “pleasure.” The name is derived from the Hebrew word “ednah” (עֶדְנָה), which also gave rise to the name Eden.
According to etymologists, the name Edna was introduced to the English-speaking world in the late 19th century. It was first used as a given name in the United States and quickly became popular. From 1889 to 1917, Edna was among the top 20 names for girls born in the U.S.
The name Edna is also related to the Arabic word “ghadan,” which means “luxury.” This suggests that the name may have been influenced by Arabic culture at some point.
In literature, the name Edna appears in several works, including the apocryphal Book of Tobit, where it is the name of a character. However, the origins of this character and the name’s meaning in this context are unclear.
Overall, the name Edna has a rich etymology and history, and it continues to be used as a given name today.
Popularity of Edna
Edna is a beautiful, feminine name that has been around for centuries. It has roots in Hebrew and means “rejuvenation,” “pleasure,” or “delight.” The name was quite popular in the early 20th century, but it has since fallen out of favor.
According to Nameberry, Edna was the 1,076th most popular baby name in the United States in 2021. This shows that the name is not as common as it once was, but it is still being used by some parents.
It is interesting to note that the popularity of Edna has been declining steadily since the 1930s. In 1930, it was the 24th most popular name for baby girls in the United States. By 1940, it had dropped to 54th place. In 1950, it was 102nd, and by 1960, it had fallen off the top 200 list.
Despite its decline in popularity, Edna remains a lovely name that is perfect for parents who want a unique and classic name for their baby girl. It has a rich history and meaning, and it is sure to make a lasting impression on anyone who hears it.
Overall, while Edna may not be as popular as it once was, it is still a beautiful name that is worth considering for your baby girl.
Variations and Nicknames
Edna has several variations and nicknames that have been used throughout history. Some of the most common variations of Edna include Ena, Ead, Eddi, and Eddie. Other variations include Eda, Eddna, Eddnah, and Eddy.
One of the most popular nicknames for Edna is Edie. Other common nicknames include Neddie and Nellie. Etta and Etty are also variations that can be used as nicknames for Edna.
When it comes to matching names in love and friendship, Edna pairs well with names that have similar meanings, such as Edmund (protector of prosperity), Eliza (pledged to God), or Eleanor (bright, shining one).
Edna has also been referenced in popular culture, such as the character Aunt Edna in the movie “Vacation.” In the movie, the character’s nickname is not revealed, but it is implied that her family members call her “Aunt Edna.”
Overall, Edna is a versatile name with many variations and nicknames that can be used to suit a variety of preferences.
Cultural References
The name Edna has appeared in various cultural works throughout history. Here are some notable references:
- Play: The play “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin features a character named Edna Pontellier.
- References: The character Edna Krabappel from the long-running TV series “The Simpsons” is a reference to the name.
- Book of Tobit: The name Edna appears in the Apocrypha’s Book of Tobit.
- Bible: The name Edna is also referenced in the Old Testament apocryphal books Jubilees.
- Biblical: In Hebrew, the name Edna means “pleasure”.
- Music: The song “Edna Million in a Drop Dead Suit” by The Monochrome Set features the name.
- Television Series: The character Edna Birch from the British soap opera “Emmerdale” is named Edna.
- Downton Abbey: The character Edna Braithwaite from the TV series “Downton Abbey” is also named Edna.
- Edna Mode: The character Edna Mode from the movie “The Incredibles” is a reference to the name.
Overall, the name Edna has made its way into various cultural works and has become a recognizable name in popular culture.
Famous People Named Edna
Throughout history, there have been many notable figures with the name Edna. Here are some of the most famous ones:
-
Edna Ferber: An American novelist, playwright, and journalist, Edna Ferber was known for her witty and insightful writing. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1925 for her novel “So Big” and was also known for her works “Show Boat” and “Giant.”
-
Edna Dean Proctor: An American poet, Edna Dean Proctor was known for her patriotic and sentimental poetry. She wrote many poems about American history and culture, including “The Mayflower Pilgrims” and “The Landing of the Pilgrims.”
-
Edna St. Vincent Millay: An American poet and playwright, Edna St. Vincent Millay was known for her lyrical and emotional writing. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1923 for her poetry collection “The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver” and was also known for her play “Aria da Capo.”
-
Edna O’Brien: An Irish novelist and playwright, Edna O’Brien was known for her honest and provocative writing. She was a controversial figure in Ireland in the 1960s for her frank depictions of sex and sexuality in her novels.
-
Dame Edna Everage: A character created and portrayed by Australian comedian Barry Humphries, Dame Edna Everage is a satirical figure who represents the stereotypical Australian housewife. She has appeared in numerous television shows, stage productions, and films.
-
Edna Kelly: An American politician, Edna Kelly was the first woman elected to the New York State Assembly. She served in the Assembly from 1919 to 1920 and was a strong advocate for women’s rights and social justice.
-
Edna May Oliver: An American actress, Edna May Oliver was known for her distinctive voice and sharp wit. She appeared in many films in the 1930s and 1940s, including “Drums Along the Mohawk” and “A Tale of Two Cities.”
Overall, these famous Ednas have made significant contributions to literature, entertainment, and politics, and their legacies continue to inspire and influence people today.
Edna in Different Languages
The name Edna has a rich history and is found in various cultures and languages. Here are some of the different ways Edna is pronounced and written in different languages:
-
Anglicized: Edna is an Anglicized form of the Irish and Scottish name Eithne, which means “kernel” in Gaelic.
-
Gaelic: In Gaelic, the name Eithne is pronounced as “en-ya.”
-
Hebrew Origin: Edna means “pleasure” in Hebrew and is referenced in various Old Testament apocryphal books.
-
Celtic: In Celtic, the name Edna is pronounced as “ed-nah.”
-
Chinese: In Chinese, the name Edna is written as “艾德娜” and pronounced as “ài dé nà.”
-
Jamaican: In Jamaican, the name Edna is pronounced as “ed-nuh.”
Overall, the name Edna has a diverse history and is found in various cultures and languages around the world.
Symbolism and Meanings
The name Edna has a rich history and is associated with various meanings and symbols.
In Hebrew, the name Edna means “pleasure,” which is a symbol of happiness and joy. It represents the idea of finding delight in life and appreciating the small things that bring us happiness.
The name Edna is also associated with the Celtic word “kernel,” which represents the idea of the center of something. This symbolizes the importance of family and the idea that family is at the center of our lives.
In addition, the name Edna is sometimes associated with the Garden of Eden, which represents a paradise or a place of perfection. This symbolizes the idea of finding peace and happiness in life, and striving to create a perfect world.
The name Edna is also sometimes associated with the element of fire, which represents passion, energy, and creativity. This symbolizes the idea of pursuing our passions and using our creativity to make the world a better place.
Finally, the name Edna is associated with love and the arts. This symbolizes the idea of finding beauty and meaning in life through our relationships and our creative pursuits.
Overall, the name Edna is a beautiful and meaningful name that represents happiness, family, creativity, and love.
Edna in the United States
Edna was a popular name in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. According to BabyCenter’s Baby Names tool, Edna was ranked as the 11th most popular name for baby girls in 1900. However, its popularity declined over time, and it has not ranked in the top 1000 names since 1985.
Despite its decline in popularity, Edna remains a simple and classic name that has been used by many families throughout the United States. It has been a popular choice for parents looking for a traditional name that is not too common.
According to Nameberry, the name Edna means “rejuvenation, delight” and has Hebrew origins. It can also be spelled as Ednah. In Gaelic, Edna means “kernel or nut.”
Sources suggest that the name Edna may have been influenced by the popularity of Edith, another classic name that was popular during the same time period. Edna also shares similarities with other popular names of the time, such as Ethel and Elsie.
Overall, while Edna may not be as popular as it once was, it remains a friendly and classic name that has a rich history in the United States.