Edythe is a unique and elegant feminine name of English origin. It is derived from the name Edith, which has been in use since the Middle Ages. The name Edith is believed to have originated from the Old English elements ead, meaning "wealth" or "prosperity," and gyð, meaning "war" or "strife." Therefore, the name Edythe can be interpreted as meaning "prosperous in war" or "rich in battle."
The name Edythe was popularized during the Victorian era in England, but it has since fallen out of favor. However, it remains a beautiful and distinctive choice for parents looking for a less common feminine name with a rich history.
Some notable individuals named Edythe include American actress Edythe Sterling (1892-1973) and Canadian artist Edythe MacKenzie (1906-1983). While the name may not be as widely recognized today, it has been used by families throughout history and continues to be a lovely option for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe the trends of babies named Edythe born in the United States each year from 1880 to 2023.
The name Edythe gained popularity quite early on, with at least 19 births recorded annually between 1880 and 1884. The number of births steadily increased throughout the late 19th century, peaking in 1897 with 116 births and reaching a new high in 1906 with 146 births.
The early 20th century marked a significant era for the name Edythe, with consistent increases in popularity. Between 1907 and 1932, the number of annual births ranged from 147 to 521, with notable spikes during World War I (1914-1918). However, after reaching a high point of 561 births in 1917, there was a gradual decline throughout the following decades.
From the mid-1930s onwards, the popularity of the name Edythe began to wane. By 1940, annual births had fallen below 100, and this trend continued through the post-World War II era. During the 1950s and 1960s, fewer than 70 babies named Edythe were born annually in the United States.
The late 20th century and early 21st century saw a further decrease in popularity for the name Edythe. Between 1980 and 2023, there were less than 20 births each year on average. Despite this decline, it is noteworthy that the name has maintained some level of popularity throughout American history.
In conclusion, while the name Edythe experienced periods of heightened popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its usage has generally decreased over time. However, even in recent years, there have been a small but steady number of babies named Edythe born annually in the United States.