Baldwin is an old French name with Germanic roots. It comes from the old Germanic words bald, meaning "brave, bold, courageous" and wine, which meant "friend." So Baldwin originally meant brave friend.
When the Normans invaded Northern France they took up the name Baldwin, and it became very popular. When they invaded Britain in 1066, the name was introduced into English and gradually became popular there too. Like many popular boys' given names, it gradually developed into a surname, and is now more typically found as a surname than as a first name.
Famous Baldwins include a Norman crusader who became king of Jerusalem in the early 12th century. As a surname it is well known because of the early 20th century Prime minster Stanley Baldwin, and famous Black American author James Baldwin. There is no feminine version of the name.
When the Normans invaded Northern France they took up the name Baldwin, and it became very popular. When they invaded Britain in 1066, the name was introduced into English and gradually became popular there too. Like many popular boys' given names, it gradually developed into a surname, and is now more typically found as a surname than as a first name.
Famous Baldwins include a Norman crusader who became king of Jerusalem in the early 12th century. As a surname it is well known because of the early 20th century Prime minster Stanley Baldwin, and famous Black American author James Baldwin. There is no feminine version of the name.