Meaning, origin, history
Edwina is a feminine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the ancient Welsh name Edwyn, which is composed of two elements: "Eiddylated" meaning "rich" or "blessed", and "yn" meaning "bear". Therefore, Edwina can be interpreted as "rich bear" or "blessed bear".
The name Edwina has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. It was used by several prominent Welsh families during this period, including the powerful lord of Glamorgan, Ifor Bach, whose daughter was named Edgolina in the late 14th century.
Although the name fell out of fashion for some time, it experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian era. Today, Edwina is still considered a unique and elegant choice for a girl's name, offering a beautiful blend of Welsh heritage and timeless charm.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Edwina since 1880
Total births
15,452
Total since 1880
Peak year
1943
364 births
in 2023
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-3%
→
vs previous 5 years