Edmund

male

Origin

Old English, from the elements 'ead' meaning 'wealth, fortune' and 'mund' meaning 'protector'. First recorded in England during the medieval period, with historical prominence due to Saint Edmund of Bury, a Christian king and martyr. The name was brought to Australia with British settlers and remains popular culturally without specific Indigenous or Māori roots.

Meaning

Fortunate protector or guardian of wealth. In Australian English context, connotes a noble, trustworthy figure with a sense of historical gravitas and stability.

Pronunciation

/'ed.mənd/ (Australian English pronunciation, with emphasis on the first syllable). The 'ed' sounds like 'ed' in 'editor', and the 'mund' like 'mund' in 'mundane'.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Edmund (original, English)
  • Edmundo (Spanish, Portuguese)
  • Edmundo (Spanish)

Nicknames

  • Ed
  • Eddie

Name Days

  • 20 November (Feast of Saint Edmund of Bury)
  • N/A for general Australian celebration, but the feast is observed in Catholic and Anglican calendars.
  • 23 April (Anzac Day remembrances may occasionally feature historical figures with the name in commemoration)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with edmund:

  • Edmund and Alice
  • Edmund and Charlotte
  • Edmund and William

Fun Facts

  • The name Edmund has been borne by several notable Australian figures, including politician Edmund Barton, Australia's first Prime Minister.
  • Edmund is a common character name in classic British literature adapted into Australian storytelling, symbolising integrity and wisdom.
  • The Edmund FitzGerald is a renowned vessel name in Australian maritime history.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name edmund:

  • Traditional
  • Reliable
  • Honourable
  • Conservative
  • Intelligent

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and balanced, visually symmetrical with historical gravitas. Suitable for formal and informal contexts, with a timeless appeal in Australian typography.

Geographical Distribution

Most common in states with strong historical British influence such as New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, but generally widespread across Australia.

Numerological Significance

Name number 9 (using Pythagorean numerology), indicating humanitarianism, idealism, and a creative, compassionate personality. Associated with altruistic traits.

Astrological Connections

Connected to the Sun (Leo) as a name associated with leadership qualities and a regal bearing. Birthdate of an individual named Edmund can be associated with qualities of the Leo zodiac, such as confidence and generosity.

Historical Context

Saint Edmund of Bury became a legendary figure in medieval England, inspiring the name’s adoption across Christian Europe and later in Australia. Prominent Australians named Edmund include Sir Edmund Barton, a founding father and Australia's first Prime Minister, and Edmund McGuire, a noted explorer. The name appears frequently in British colonial history and literature.

Linguistic Adaptability

Easily adaptable across English-speaking countries, with similar spelling and pronunciation. Variants exist but are less common in Australian usage. Original scripts are Latin alphabet.

Famous People Named edmund

  • Sir Edmund Barton (First Prime Minister of Australia)
  • Edmund Hillary (though New Zealander, widely recognised in Australia)
  • Edmund Guire (explorer)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2024 1
2017 4
2016 2
2015 5
2014 2