From an Old English personal name derived from ēad ‘prosperity,
riches’ + weard ‘guard’. This has been one of the most
successful of all Old English names, in frequent use from before
the Conquest to the present day, and even being exported into
other European languages. It was the name of three Anglo-Saxon
kings and has been borne by eight kings of England since the
Norman Conquest. It is also the name of the youngest son of
Queen Elizabeth II. The most influential early bearer was King
Edward the Confessor (?1002–66; ruled 1042–66). In a troubled
period of English history, he contrived to rule fairly and (for
a time at any rate) firmly. But in the latter part of his reign
he paid more attention to his religion than to his kingdom. He
died childless, and his death sparked off conflicting claims to
his throne, which were resolved by the victory of William the
Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. His memory was honoured by
Normans and English alike, for his fairness and his piety.
Edward's mother was Norman; h