Edel is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Old Irish word 'eithil', which means 'noble'. The name Edel has been popular among Irish families for generations, but it has also gained recognition outside of Ireland due to its meaning and elegance.
The name Edel was traditionally used as a female given name in Ireland. However, it has also been used occasionally as a male given name in some cultures. Despite its unisex potential, Edel is still more commonly associated with females.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Edel. One of the most famous is Edel Quinn, an Irish missionary who devoted her life to spreading the Catholic faith in Africa during the mid-20th century. Her unwavering dedication and courage earned her the title of 'Apostle to Kenya', and she was later beatified by the Roman Catholic Church.
In literature, the name Edel appears in William Shakespeare's play "The Taming of the Shrew". While not one of the main characters, Edel is mentioned as a servant in the household of the Lord of Padua.
Today, Edel continues to be a beloved given name among Irish families and beyond. Its meaning of 'noble' makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a strong and meaningful name for their child. Despite its unique spelling and pronunciation, Edel has gained popularity worldwide due to its elegant sound and powerful significance.
The name Edel has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The years 1973 to 1987 saw a relatively low number of babies named Edel, with an average of about 6 births per year during this period.
However, there was a significant increase in popularity between the years 1989 and 2005, with a peak of 22 births in 2005. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with a total of 478 babies named Edel born in the United States from 1973 to 2023.
Despite a slight dip in popularity between 2006 and 2011, the name Edel has maintained steady popularity in recent years, with an average of around 12 births per year since 2012. The most recent data shows that there were 15 babies named Edel born in the United States in 2023.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Edel has varied over time, it has remained a consistent choice for parents in the United States, with a total of 478 babies receiving this name since 1973.