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National Edison Day – May 29, 2023

National Edison Day is celebrated every year on May 29. It’s not often that you come across someone with the name Edison. They’re human equivalents of unicorns, almost. So, when or if you find an Edison, treasure them forever. An Edison in your life is a gift. Like the legendary inventor of the same name, they light up everyone’s world. Life would be a remarkably different, darker place without Edison. Edison isn’t one of the most popular surnames today. Edison as a first name is even rarer! All the more reason to celebrate an Edison in your life today.

History of National Edison Day

The origins of Edison aren’t well-established. Some historians believe Edison is a derivative of an Old English surname, which, in turn, comes from Eadwig, an ancient first name. Simply put, the name means ‘son of Eadwig.’ The name has Germanic origins; ‘ead’ means ‘luck’ or ‘prosperity’ while ‘wig’ stands for ‘war.’

Other schools of thought believe Edison could be an adaptation of Addison. Like Eadwig, Addison is an example of a patronymic surname or a name derived from a male ancestor. Addison means ‘son of Adam.’

Theories about the name differ wildly, given the diversity of language and dialect throughout England. Pronunciations change, and numerous nicknames emerge. In the Scottish Lowlands, Addie was a common nickname for a person named Adam. Since Addison and Edison sound similar, the only differences here might be regional or dialectal.

Regardless of geography, Edison always existed as a family name. One of the earliest historical records is on the Scottish and Northern English borders during the early 14th century. At the start of the 19th century, families with the last name Edison lived throughout the U.K., Scotland, U.S., and Canada. Over time, it became difficult to trace the number of families or their direct descendants. Most Americans today associate the name with inventor Thomas Alva Edison. Thomas Edison, quite literally, brightened people’s lives when he invented the light bulb.

Research shows that Edison as a first name is as rare as it gets. In 2006, the name reappeared in the top 1,000, but at the bottom of the list. However, this seems to make Edison appealing to unconventional families, specifically entrepreneurially inclined parents.

National Edison Day timeline

1308
First Records

John Addison, who lived a quiet life in Yorkshire, becomes the first documented link to the Edison family tree.

1847
The Arrival of an Inventor

Thomas Alva Edison is born.

1920
A Large Number

The number of Edison families living in the U.S. is at its highest.

1969
A Song For Edison

The Bee Gees pay tribute to Thomas Edison with a baroque pop track called ‘Edison.’

National Edison Day FAQs

Is Edison a biblical name?

Edison has numerous adaptations across cultures and geographies. In Hebrew, Edison means ‘Son of Adam.’

How rare is the name Edison?

In 2020, only 452 baby boys and 17 baby girls were named Edison. Out of 4,052 baby boys, only one was called Edison. Only one baby girl out of a whopping 103,003 received the name.

What is short for Edison?

Ed, Eddie, or Eddy.

National Edison Day Activities

  1. Look up the history

    Read up about the name Edison and what makes it unique. From the highlands of Scotland to the U.S., Edison has traveled a long way.

  2. Seek inspiration

    Have you been feeling stuck in a rut? Make Thomas Edison proud today. Break out of inertia in search of your light bulb moment.

  3. Try something new

    Take cues from the famous inventor and try things you haven’t before. Consider that new business venture or hobby seriously. Or find ways to approach old habits with a fresh take.

5 Interesting Facts About Edisons

  1. A name, a gift

    Those who bear Edison are naturally gifted and inspiring.

  2. They are easygoing

    Edisons avoid confrontations and dislike the use of force.

  3. Smart and simple

    They are adept at explaining complex concepts in easily understandable ways.

  4. Quiet, but lively

    Though they sometimes find it difficult to express their needs publicly, they tend to be the life of the party at social gatherings.

  5. Creative pioneers

    Edisons are recognized to be pioneers for their creativity, even though they sometimes seek the approval of society and friends.

Why We Love National Edison Day

  1. It celebrates people

    Consider yourself lucky if you know an Edison. It is said that Edisons know their minds because they make things happen and have fun while doing it.

  2. A learning opportunity

    Curious about your ancestors? The fun history behind the name Edison is the push everyone needs. Today could be the day to take the plunge into D.N.A. testing.

  3. It is a day of inspiration

    In a world of startling sameness, be an Edison. Edison inspires people to revel in their uniqueness.

National Edison Day dates

YearDateDay
2023May 29Monday
2024May 29Wednesday
2025May 29Thursday
2026May 29Friday
2027May 29Saturday

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