Meaning & use
Edward
Last updated
Meanings
proper nounproper
A male first name, popular in English-speaking countries and linked to the old English words for wealth and guardian.
Grammar: Always capitalized: Edward Brown. It can be shortened to Ed, Eddie or Ted.
Patterns
- Edward + surname
Edward arrived at the station early to buy tickets.
My grandfather, Edward, was known to everyone as Ted.
The teacher asked Edward to read the first paragraph aloud.
proper nounproper
The name of several kings of England and Britain, used with a number to tell them apart.
Grammar: Used with a number or title: Edward the Confessor, King Edward VII.
Patterns
- King Edward + number
Edward the Confessor built the first abbey at Westminster.
Edward VII became king in 1901 after the death of Queen Victoria.
The school was named after Edward VI, who founded many grammar schools.
Common combinations
- King Edward
- King Edward visited the new hospital.
- Prince Edward
- Prince Edward opened the exhibition.
- Edward the Confessor
- Edward the Confessor ruled before the Norman Conquest.
- Prince Edward Island
- Prince Edward Island is a Canadian province.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- Edwardian adjective
- relating to the reign of King Edward VII (1901 to 1910)
- Edwards proper noun
- a surname meaning son of Edward
- Edwina proper noun
- a feminine name formed from Edward
- Eduard proper noun
- the German and other European form of the name
Commonly confused: Edward or Edmund?
Edward vs Edmund
Edmund is a different name meaning rich protector, although it is often confused with Edward because they sound alike.
Practice
Which nickname is commonly used for someone named Edward?
Choose one answer.
Eddie is a common short form of Edward. Ernie is short for Ernest, Alfie for Alfred, and Frankie for Frank or Francis.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Edward”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.