Enid is a Welsh feminine given name that has been around for centuries. The name is derived from the Welsh word “enaid,” meaning soul, spirit, or life. It is a name that has been used in Welsh, English, and Arthurian Romance cultures.
Enid has a rich history and has been used in various literary works, including the Arthurian legends. The name has been associated with purity, life, and spirit, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a meaningful name for their child. Despite its long history, the name Enid has fallen out of popularity in recent years, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate its unique meaning and cultural significance.
Meaning of Enid
Enid is a feminine given name with Welsh origins. The name is derived from the Welsh word “enaid,” which means “soul, spirit, life.”
In Arthurian tales, Enid is the wife of Erec and first appears in the 12th-century French poem Erec and Enide by Chrétien de Troyes.
The name Enid has been used since the 19th century in the English-speaking world. However, it has been less common in recent years.
Despite its rarity, Enid has a beautiful and meaningful origin. It could make a unique and special name choice for parents looking for something different.
Overall, Enid is a name that represents the essence of life and the soul, making it a meaningful and spiritual choice for parents seeking a name with depth and significance.
Origin of the Name Enid
Enid is a name of Welsh origin, which means “life” or “spirit” 1. It is derived from the Welsh word “enaid” which translates to “soul, spirit, or life” 4. The name Enid was first introduced to the world through Arthurian legend and literature. In Arthurian tales, Enid is often portrayed as a virtuous and patient wife of one of the knights of the Round Table 4.
The name Enid is also associated with a Celtic goddess, although there is little information available about this deity. It is believed that she was a goddess of love and fertility, and was worshipped by the ancient Celts 2.
The Welsh origin of the name Enid is fitting, as Wales has a rich history and culture. Wales is a country in Britain, located to the west of England. Welsh is the official language of Wales, and is one of the oldest languages in Europe 3.
The Proto-Indo-European root of the name Enid is *h₂enh₁-, which means “to breathe, blow” 1. This root also forms the basis of other words, such as “animal” and “animate” 2.
Overall, the name Enid has a rich history and is steeped in Welsh and Celtic culture. Its meaning of “life” or “spirit” makes it a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
Enid in Arthurian Legend
Enid is a significant character in Arthurian legend, appearing in several tales and adaptations. She is often portrayed as the wife of Geraint, a knight of King Arthur’s Round Table.
In the medieval Welsh tale “Geraint and Enid,” Enid is depicted as a loyal and devoted wife who accompanies her husband on a quest to prove his worth as a knight. She faces many challenges and dangers along the way, including an attack by bandits and a confrontation with a giant. Despite these obstacles, Enid remains steadfast and supportive of her husband.
Enid also appears in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King,” a cycle of narrative poems that retells the story of King Arthur and his knights. In this version, Enid is again the wife of Geraint, and her loyalty and devotion are emphasized. Tennyson’s portrayal of Enid helped to popularize the name in Britain in the late 19th century.
In later adaptations of Arthurian tales, Enid’s character has been expanded and developed in various ways. She is sometimes depicted as a warrior in her own right, or as a figure of mystical significance. However, her role as the faithful wife of Geraint remains a central aspect of her character in most versions of the legend.
Overall, Enid’s story is a testament to the power of love, loyalty, and devotion in the face of adversity. Her character has captured the imaginations of readers and audiences for centuries, and her name continues to be popular as an Arthurian-inspired baby name.
Enid as a Baby Name
Enid is a beautiful and unique name that has been around for centuries. It is a Welsh name that means “life” or “spirit”. Enid is a great name for parents looking for a name that is not too common but still has a strong meaning.
Enid is a gender-neutral name, but it is more commonly used as a girl’s name. It was popular in the early 1900s but fell out of favor in the mid-20th century. However, it has been making a comeback in recent years and has been steadily increasing in popularity. In 2023, Enid ranks #1780 in popularity, up 2940 spots from the previous year.
Enid is a name that has been used in literature and mythology. In the Arthurian legend, Enid was the wife of Geraint, one of King Arthur’s knights. She was known for her beauty and her loyalty to her husband. Enid is also the name of a Celtic goddess of poetry and inspiration.
Enid is a great name for parents who want a name that is unique but still has a strong meaning. It is a great alternative to more popular names like Emma or Olivia. Enid is also a great name for parents who want a gender-neutral name for their child.
Here is a quick summary of Enid as a baby name:
| Entity | Description |
|---|---|
| Baby Name | Enid is a Welsh name that means “life” or “spirit”. |
| Name Meaning | Enid means “life” or “spirit”. |
| Girl Name | Enid is more commonly used as a girl’s name. |
| Boy Name | Enid can also be used as a boy’s name. |
| Popular Names | Enid is not a very common name, but it has been increasing in popularity in recent years. |
| Popularity Chart | In 2023, Enid ranks #1780 in popularity, up 2940 spots from the previous year. |
Notable People Named Enid
Enid is a name that has been used by several notable people throughout history, from playwrights to philanthropists. Here are a few of the most notable people named Enid:
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Enid Mary Blyton: Enid Blyton was a British children’s author who wrote over 800 books during her career, including the Famous Five and Secret Seven series. Her books have sold over 600 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 90 languages.
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Enid Markey: Enid Markey was an American actress who appeared in more than 70 films during her career. She is perhaps best known for her role as Jane in the first film adaptation of Tarzan of the Apes in 1918.
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Enid Greene: Enid Greene is an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 1997. She was the first woman to represent Utah in Congress.
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Enid Yandell: Enid Yandell was an American sculptor who was known for her public monuments and sculptures. Her most famous work is the Daniel Boone statue in Cherokee Park in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Enid Kent: Enid Kent was a British poet who published several collections of poetry during her career. She was known for her use of language and imagery in her work.
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Enid Nemy: Enid Nemy is an American journalist who worked for The New York Times for more than 30 years. She covered a wide range of topics during her career, including fashion, society, and culture.
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Enid Coleslaw: Enid Coleslaw is a fictional character from the graphic novel Ghost World by Daniel Clowes. She is a cynical, sarcastic teenager who is struggling to find her place in the world.
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Enid Nightshade: Enid Nightshade is a character from the video game Fallout: New Vegas. She is a radio host who provides commentary on the game’s events and plays music from the 1950s.
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Enid Rollins: Enid Rollins was an American philanthropist who was known for her support of the arts. She was a major donor to several museums and cultural institutions during her lifetime.
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Enid Frick: Enid Frick was an American publisher who founded the Frick Collection in New York City. The collection is known for its extensive collection of European art and decorative objects.
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Enid Lake: Enid Lake is a reservoir in Mississippi that was created by the Enid Dam. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.
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Enid Kelso: Enid Kelso was a British actress who appeared in several films and television shows during her career. She is perhaps best known for her role as Mrs. Fairfax in the 1983 television adaptation of Jane Eyre.
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Tracy Enid Flick: Tracy Enid Flick is a character from the novel and film Election. She is a driven, ambitious high school student who is determined to win the school’s student council election.
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Enid Blyton: Enid Blyton was a British children’s author who wrote over 800 books during her career, including the Famous Five and Secret Seven series. Her books have sold over 600 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 90 languages.
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Enid Bagnold: Enid Bagnold was a British author and playwright who is best known for her play The Chalk Garden. The play was a critical and commercial success and was later adapted into a film.
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Enid Stamp Taylor: Enid Stamp Taylor was a British actress who appeared in several films during the 1930s and 1940s. She is perhaps best known for her role as the young Queen Victoria in the 1937 film Victoria the Great.
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Enid A. Haupt: Enid A. Haupt was an American philanthropist who was known for her support of the arts and cultural institutions. She was a major donor to several museums and gardens in New York City, including the New York Botanical Garden and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Enid in Popular Culture
Enid has made appearances in various forms of popular culture, including music, literature, and film. Here are a few examples:
Barenaked Ladies
The Canadian band Barenaked Ladies released a song called “Enid” on their 1992 album “Gordon.” The song tells the story of a man who is in love with a woman named Enid but is too afraid to tell her. The lyrics describe Enid as “the kind of girl who makes you feel good just to be around her.”
Ghost World
In the 2001 film “Ghost World,” Enid is the name of the main character played by Thora Birch. Enid is a teenager who is struggling to find her place in the world and is trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. The film is based on a graphic novel of the same name by Daniel Clowes.
Enide
Enide is a character in the medieval Arthurian legend. In the story, Enide is the wife of the knight Geraint. She is known for her loyalty and devotion to her husband, even in the face of danger. The story of Geraint and Enid has been told in various forms over the years, including in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King.”
Overall, Enid has left her mark on popular culture in various ways. Whether it’s through music, film, or literature, Enid continues to be a name that resonates with people.
The Significance of the Name Enid
Enid is a feminine given name with Welsh origins. The name Enid means “soul, spirit, life” in Welsh, and it has been used for centuries. In Arthurian tales, Enid is the wife of Geraint and appears in the 12th-century French poem “Erec and Enide” by Chrétien de Troyes.
The name Enid has a significant meaning in Welsh culture. It symbolizes the life force or soul of an individual. In Welsh mythology, Enid is also associated with the goddess of love and fertility.
Enid is a name that has been used in literature and pop culture. It has been featured in novels, plays, and movies. Enid is also the name of a character in the popular comic book series “Ghost World” by Daniel Clowes.
For those who bear the name Enid, it represents a faithful and pure spirit. The name symbolizes a strong connection to community and a desire to help others.
Overall, the name Enid has a rich history and cultural significance. It represents life, purity, and faithfulness. It is a name that has been used in literature and pop culture, and it is still popular today.
Variants of the Name Enid
Enid is a Welsh name that means “soul, spirit, life.” While it is not a very common name, there are a few variants of the name that you might come across.
Variant: Ened
Ened is a variant of the name Enid that is also of Welsh origin. It has the same meaning as Enid, which is “soul, spirit, life.” While Ened is not a very common name, it is still a beautiful and unique choice for a baby girl.
Variant: Ingrid
Ingrid is a Scandinavian name that is similar to Enid in sound and meaning. While the two names have different origins, they both share the meaning of “beautiful soul” or “beloved.” Ingrid is a popular name in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, but it is also used in other parts of the world.
In conclusion, Enid is a beautiful and unique name with a rich history and meaning. While it is not a very common name, it is still a great choice for parents who want something a little different. And if you’re looking for a name that is similar to Enid, Ingrid is a great option to consider.
Enid in the United States
Enid is not a very common name in the United States, but it has been used for over a century. According to the Social Security Administration, Enid was most popular in the early 1900s, with a peak of 0.018% of female births in 1919. Since then, its popularity has declined, and it has not ranked in the top 1000 names since 1954.
Enid is also the name of a city in Oklahoma, which was named after a character in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “Enid” from his collection “Idylls of the King”. The city of Enid is the ninth-largest city in Oklahoma, with a population of approximately 50,000 people. It is located in Garfield County and is known for its rich oil and gas history.
In Mississippi, Enid is a small unincorporated community in Tallahatchie County. It has a population of less than 300 people and is located near Enid Lake, which is a popular recreational area for fishing and boating.
Overall, while Enid may not be a very common name in the United States, it has a few notable associations with places such as the city in Oklahoma and the community in Mississippi.