Eadwine

Eadwine is an Old English given name that appeared in early medieval England. The name is formed from the elements ead, meaning wealth, fortune, or prosperity, and wini or wine, meaning friend. Together they are commonly interpreted as “prosperous friend.” Over time the form evolved into the later name Edwin, and various spellings such as Edwyn, Edwine, or Eadwyn appeared in medieval records.

In historical use, Eadwine appears as a personal name among Anglo-Saxon and medieval English figures, though its most notable bearer is Eadwine the Scribe. He was a 12th-century monk associated with Canterbury who is linked to the production of important Canterbury manuscript work. The Eadwine Psalter, a major illuminated manuscript from the period, is connected to his workshop and is celebrated for its extensive decoration and an accompanying self-portrait of the scribe.

The name survives primarily in historical and scholarly contexts, serving as an exemplar of Old English naming practices. Its enduring influence is seen in modern forms such as Edwin and Edwyn, which continue to be used in English-speaking communities. In studies of medieval onomastics and manuscript culture, Eadwine illustrates how Anglo-Saxon names persisted into the high medieval era and left a mark on literary and artistic heritage.