eden

Eden most commonly refers to the Garden of Eden, the paradise described in the Abrahamic creation narratives where the first humans, Adam and Eve, lived before the Fall. In the Genesis account, the garden contains the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil; after disobeying God, humanity is expelled. The text does not specify Eden’s location, and traditions across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam offer varying interpretations rather than a single consensus.

Eden derives from a Hebrew proper name meaning "delight" or "pleasure." In English usage, eden functions as a literary or rhetorical term for an idyllic, paradisiacal place and has entered common usage to describe natural beauty and harmony.

Beyond the biblical garden, Eden is a common given name and surname and appears as a toponym in numerous places worldwide. Several towns, cities, and districts are named Eden, reflecting its association with beauty and tranquility in local imagery.

One widely recognized modern usage is the Eden Project, a large cultural and environmental complex in Cornwall, England. Opened in 2001, it features biomes housing diverse plant species and exhibitions focused on ecology, sustainability, and climate research.

In popular culture, the name Eden appears in a variety of works, including novels, films, albums, and video games. As a symbol, Eden is frequently employed to evoke utopian ideals, untouched nature, or fragile paradise, often in contrast with themes of loss or corruption.