ed

Ed is a masculine given name and a common nickname. It is typically a short form of longer names such as Edward, Edwin, or Edmund. The name derives from Old English elements associated with wealth or fortune (ead) and, in some forms, protection or guardianship (weard/ward). Through medieval and modern usage, Ed has become a widely used informal version of these names in English-speaking countries.

As a standalone name, Ed remains common in many English-speaking regions and tends to carry an approachable, informal tone. Variants and related nicknames include Eddie, Edie (used for some females), Teddy, and Ted, though Ed is often used without expansion.

Notable people named Ed include musician Ed Sheeran; actors Ed Harris, Ed Asner, and Ed Wynn; journalist Ed Bradley; and others across sports, politics, and the arts. The name has been borne by figures in various fields, reflecting its broad cultural presence.

In publishing and academia, ed. is the standard abbreviation for editor, with eds. used for editors of multiple works. In bibliographic entries, ed. indicates an editor rather than an author. In computing, ed is a classic line-oriented text editor for Unix, illustrating another context in which the letters appear.

Fictional characters named Ed appear in film and television as well, such as Ed Rooney, the principal in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Ed, a character from the animated series Ed, Edd n Eddy. These usages attest to Ed’s enduring versatility as a name and shorthand.