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Last Name Edison

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What is the origin of the last name Edison?

The surname Edison is of English origin. It is an occupational name for a worker in a fishweir, derived from the Old English words "ege" meaning fish and "dic" meaning enclosure or weir. Alternatively, it could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near such a fishweir. The most famous person with this surname is Thomas Alva Edison, an American inventor and businessman who developed many devices that greatly influenced life in the 20th century.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Edison

The surname Edison is an Anglo-Saxon name, derived from the Old English words "ead" meaning wealth and "scine" meaning skylight or shine. It was originally a nickname for someone who lived near a source of light, such as a lighthouse or a sunny location. The surname gained popularity due to Thomas Alva Edison, an American inventor and businessman who made significant contributions to the development of modern electrical systems. Born in 1847, he is best known for creating the first practical incandescent light bulb, among numerous other inventions. As a result, the surname Edison has become closely associated with innovation and technological advancement.

Geographical distribution of the last name Edison

The surname Edison is predominantly found in regions with significant English-speaking populations, primarily due to its historical origins in England. According to various data sources, it's most prevalent in the United States, reflecting the large number of English immigrants who settled there during colonial times and beyond. In the U.S., states like New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, and New York show a higher concentration of individuals bearing the name Edison, possibly due to the historical presence of families named Edison in these areas. Additionally, it's also found in significant numbers in Canada and Australia, countries with similar migration patterns from England. However, as global migration increases, the distribution of the name Edison is expanding to include various countries around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Edison

The surname Edison has several variants and spellings, primarily due to spelling changes over time and regional differences. Some of the most common variations include:

* Edisson
* Eadison
* Aedisohn
* Edyson
* Edeson
* Eddison
* Edysson
* Eidson
* Eideson
* Idison
* Eydison
* Aydinson

These variations may arise from slight misspellings, phonetic interpretations, or intentional changes over time. It is important to note that while these variations exist, the original and most common spelling remains Edison.

Famous people with the last name Edison

Thomas Alva Edison and Charles Beard Edison are two notable figures sharing the last name Edison in American history. Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), known as America's most prolific inventor, is best recognized for creating the practical electric light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera. He held over 1,000 U.S. patents and was a significant figure in the development of modern industrial civilization. Charles Beard Edison (1876-1939), Thomas's middle son, was an American politician and businessman who served as the Governor of New Jersey from 1929 to 1937. He also played a significant role in expanding electricity throughout the state during his tenure as president of the Public Service Corporation of New Jersey.

Genealogical research on the last name Edison

The Edison surname originated from England and is associated with several notable figures in history. One of the most famous bearers is Thomas Alva Edison, an American inventor and businessman who developed many devices that greatly influenced modern industrial civilization, including the phonograph, motion picture camera, and practical electric light bulb. The surname is believed to have originated from East Anglia in England, with variations such as Eddison or Edisson also found. The name is derived from the Old English personal name Eadwine, meaning "wealthy friend." The family immigrated to North America in the 17th century, primarily settling in New England and the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Prominent Edison descendants include numerous politicians, academics, and artists.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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