Edson

Edson is a name used as both a given name and a surname. It originates as a patronymic, meaning “son of Ed” or “son of Edward,” and has broader usage in English-speaking contexts as well as in Portuguese-speaking countries where it is a common given name. The form is recognized in various cultures and appears in historical and contemporary naming.

Notable people with the given name Edson include Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, the Brazilian footballer born in 1940 who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Another well-known figure is Edson Barboza, a Brazilian mixed martial artist who has competed in major U.S. promotions. The name is used by several other athletes, artists, and public figures in different regions.

Edson is also a place name. Edson, Alberta, is a town in west-central Canada that serves as a service center for nearby industries and is located near the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. The name’s occurrence in geographic naming varies by country and region, reflecting the broader reach of the name beyond individual use.

As a surname, Edson appears in English-speaking countries as well, though it is less common than its use as a given name. The surname typically functions as a patronymic, derived from a parent’s given name. Overall, Edson remains a relatively versatile name with historical roots in patronymic naming and contemporary usage across several cultures.