EDWARDS

Source: Old English

Root Word: ead (wealth, prosperity, luck) + weard (guardian, protector)

Derived From: The Old English given name Eadweard, surname form Eadweardes (son of Eadweard).

Meaning: Etymologically, it means 'a wealthy guardian' or 'a protector of prosperity'. As a surname, it means 'a descendant of Edward' or 'one belonging to Edward'.

Popularity History: The given name Edward has been important since Anglo-Saxon times, particularly popularized by kings like Edward the Confessor. This made it a common patronymic. The surname EDWARDS became widespread in the Middle Ages (after approximately the 13th century) as patronymic surnames became more common, particularly in England and Wales. It remains a common English surname today.