Eadwarde

Eadwarde is an archaic English given name, a variant of Edward. It derives from the Old English name Eadweard, formed from ead meaning wealth or fortune and weard meaning guardian or ward. The spelling Eadwarde appears in late Old English and early Middle English manuscripts, charters, and chronicles as a variant of the name that would later become Edward in Modern English. In medieval England the name was borne by members of the nobility and clergy, and it is closely associated with the same lineage as the later Edwards, including Edward the Confessor, who is often rendered in Old English and Latin sources as Eadweard.

In contemporary usage, Eadwarde is primarily encountered in historical texts, genealogies, and scholarly discussions about onomastics. The form illustrates the medieval orthographic practices that produced modern equivalents such as Edward, Edourd, or Edvard in other languages. The name remains of interest to historians and writers seeking period-appropriate names or etymological background.

See also: Edward (name).