Origin & Meaning of the Edwards Surname
What does the last name Edwards mean?
The surname Edwards carries the meaning "Son of Edwards." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 332,423 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Edwards ranks as the #58 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Edwards come from?
The Edwards surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Edwards name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Edwards trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Edwards |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Edwards |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #58 |
| US Count (2010) | 332,423 |
| Per 100K People | 112.69 |
| First Letter | E |
Ethnic Distribution of Edwards
According to the US Census, the Edwards surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 332,423 Americans with the Edwards last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 62.13% |
| Black | 31.63% |
| Hispanic | 2.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.77% |
| Two or More Races | 2.47% |
Popularity of Edwards Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Edwards surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Edwards surname increased by 15,353 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Edwards
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