Edgar
Edgar is a boy name of Old English origin meaning “Wealthy spearman”, pronounced ED-gar. It ranked #486 in the United States in 2025, given to 617 babies, and peaked at #51 in 1881. Common nicknames: Ed, Eddie, Gar.
How popular is Edgar in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Edgar mean, and where does it come from?
Edgar derives from the Old English elements "ead" (wealth, fortune, prosperity) and "gar" (spear), together meaning "wealthy spearman" or "fortunate with a spear." The name was borne by Edgar the Peaceful, a tenth-century King of the English credited with consolidating the kingdom, and it remained in steady use through the medieval period before fading for centuries. A literary revival through figures like Edgar Allan Poe kept it alive, and it has recently returned to favor among parents drawn to vintage, old-world names.
How is Edgar used around the world?
Edgar is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 6+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Edgar?
Famous People Named Edgar
- Edgar Allan Poe — American writer and poet
- Edgar Degas — French Impressionist painter
- Edgar Rice Burroughs — American author, creator of Tarzan
Similar Names to Edgar
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Sibling Name Ideas for Edgar
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Edgar mean?
Edgar is a boy name of Old English origin meaning "Wealthy spearman." Edgar derives from the Old English elements "ead" (wealth, fortune, prosperity) and "gar" (spear), together meaning "wealthy spearman" or "fortunate with a spear." The name was borne by Edgar the Peaceful, a tenth-century King of the English credited with consolidating the kingdom, and it remained in steady use through the medieval period before fading for centuries.
How do you pronounce Edgar?
Edgar is pronounced ED-gar. Common variations include Edgardo, Edger, Eadgar.
Is Edgar a boy name?
Yes, Edgar is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Ed, Eddie, Gar.