Edith

Edith is a feminine given name of Old English origin. It has been used in English-speaking countries since medieval times and experienced revivals in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is commonly linked to Old English forms such as Eadgyth or Eadgifu, composed of elements that are interpreted as referring to wealth, fortune, or a gift and to battle or auspiciousness; the exact meaning is uncertain and multiple interpretations exist.

Variants and diminutives include Edie and Edy; in French the form Édith is common, and other languages adapt the name in various spellings. The name has remained recognizable across generations and cultures, often associated with a classic, genteel sensibility in English-speaking contexts.

Notable people named Edith include the American author Edith Wharton (1862–1937); the French singer Edith Piaf (1915–1963); the Australian reformer Edith Cowan (1861–1932); the American costume designer Edith Head (1897–1981); the German-Jewish philosopher Edith Stein (1891–1942), who became Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross; and the English poet Edith Sitwell (1887–1964). The nurse Edith Cavell (1865–1915) is also frequently cited for her historical significance.

In fiction, Lady Edith Crawley is a central character in the television series Downton Abbey, illustrating the name’s continued use in contemporary storytelling.

Edith remains in modern use, with occasional revivals in English-speaking regions, and continues to be recognized as a traditional, enduring given name.