Meaning: Its source is ead weard, an Old English name meaning "Wealth protector."

Languages: This boy's name is used in German.

Nickname For: Eduard

Narrative: Three pre-Conquest and eight post-Conquest English kings have borne the name Edward, and the name is found in the English royal household to this day. This is remarkable because the Normans brought in their French names (Roger, William, Richard and many others) and entirely wiped out many older Germanic names (such as Eofor, Goda and Wulfwig.)

Edward's continuation can be attributed to the influence of Edward the Confessor, who ruled England early in the 11th century. An Anglo-Saxon king with Norman connections, he was esteemed by both peoples. When he died without an heir, rival claimants arose on both sides of the Channel; William of Normandy prevailed in the war that followed.

Within three generations, a Norman king was named Edward in honor of the Confessor.

Meaning: Its source is ead gyd, an Ancient Germanic name meaning "Struggle for wealth."

Nickname For: Edith

Narrative: Edith was commonly used by the Anglo-Saxon royalty of ancient Britain. Because of its association with a number of highly revered Christian saints, it survived the Norman Conquest of 1066, which introduced many French-derived names that dominate the English-speaking world to this day.

The elegant associations of this name were enhanced by the reputation of British stage legend Dame Edith Evans (1888-1976). Among Americans, however, the name may call to mind the simple, big-hearted, old-fashioned ways of Edith Bunker, a character played by Jean Stapleton on television's All in the Family from 1971 to 1979.