Edwin comes from an Old English name derived from ead ("prosperity, wealth") and wine (which, surprisingly, means "friend" in Old English.) Like several other older English names, it is associated with legends of Christian martyrdom; supposedly, a King Edwin was killed by pagan forces for his beliefs. The name Edwin became very unusual until the 19th century, when it was revived (as in Charles Dickens' unfinished novel, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood.) Now it is rare again, although the common short forms Ed and Eddie are sometimes versions of Edwin rather than the more common Edward.
The feminine form of Edwin is Edwina (pronounced ed-WEE-na), a name coined in the 19th century. At present it may be better known than the masculine form, partly because of the high profile former Tory MP Edwina Currie. Sometimes Edwina is also used as a feminine form of Edward.
The feminine form of Edwin is Edwina (pronounced ed-WEE-na), a name coined in the 19th century. At present it may be better known than the masculine form, partly because of the high profile former Tory MP Edwina Currie. Sometimes Edwina is also used as a feminine form of Edward.
