Edgar Layton

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Edgar Layton — Latin
120K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Edgar Layton is a name that combines Latin origins. The first name Edgar is a masculine given name of Latin origin. Edgar is a commonly used masculine English given name, from an Anglo-Saxon name Edgar (composed of ead "rich, prosperous" and gar "spear"). Like most Anglo-Saxon names, it fell out of use by the Late Middle Ages; it was, however, revived in the 18th century, and was popularised by its use for a character in Sir Walter Scott's The Bride of Lammermoor (1819). The name was more common in the United States than elsewhere in the Anglosphere during the 19th century. It has been a particularly fashionable name in Latin American countries since the 20th century. The surname Layton: Layton is a surname derived from various place names in England. Two known etymologies stem from place names in Lancashire (in Blackpool) and another in North Yorkshire. The former was named in Old English as ‘settlement by the watercourse’, from Old English lād ‘watercourse’ + tūn ‘enclosure’, ‘settlement’; the latter as ‘leek enclosure’ or ‘herb garden’, from lēac ‘leek’ + tūn. Also often spelled as Leighton. Bentley Layton (1941–2025), American religious scholar Bob Layton (born 1953), American comic book artist Caleb R. Layton (1851–1930), U.S. Representative from Delaware Caleb S. Edgar is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 120K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Edgar reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Edgar

Latin

Edgar is a commonly used masculine English given name, from an Anglo-Saxon name Edgar (composed of ead "rich, prosperous" and gar "spear"). Like most Anglo-Saxon names, it fell out of use by the Late Middle Ages; it was, however, revived in the 18th century, and was popularised by its use for a character in Sir Walter Scott's The Bride of Lammermoor (1819). The name was more common in the United States than elsewhere in the Anglosphere during the 19th century. It has been a particularly fashionable name in Latin American countries since the 20th century.

Surname: Layton

English

Layton is a surname derived from various place names in England. Two known etymologies stem from place names in Lancashire (in Blackpool) and another in North Yorkshire. The former was named in Old English as ‘settlement by the watercourse’, from Old English lād ‘watercourse’ + tūn ‘enclosure’, ‘settlement’; the latter as ‘leek enclosure’ or ‘herb garden’, from lēac ‘leek’ + tūn. Also often spelled as Leighton. Bentley Layton (1941–2025), American religious scholar Bob Layton (born 1953), American comic book artist Caleb R. Layton (1851–1930), U.S. Representative from Delaware Caleb S.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Edgar is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 52%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Edgar by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Notable People Named Edgar Layton

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Edgar Layton:

5
Expression Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

4
Soul Urge Number

Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.

1
Personality Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Edgar?
The first name Edgar originates from Latin. Edgar is a commonly used masculine English given name, from an Anglo-Saxon name Edgar (composed of ead "rich, prosperous" and gar "spear"). Like most Anglo-Saxon names, it fell out of use by the Late Middle Ages; it was, however, revived in the 18th century, and was popularised by its use for a character in Sir Walter Scott's The Bride of Lammermoor (1819). The name was more common in the United States than elsewhere in the Anglosphere during the 19th century. It has been a particularly fashionable name in Latin American countries since the 20th century.
When was Edgar most popular?
The name Edgar reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Layton?
The surname Layton originates from English. Layton is a surname derived from various place names in England. Two known etymologies stem from place names in Lancashire (in Blackpool) and another in North Yorkshire. The former was named in Old English as ‘settlement by the watercourse’, from Old English lād ‘watercourse’ + tūn ‘enclosure’, ‘settlement’; the latter as ‘leek enclosure’ or ‘herb garden’, from lēac ‘leek’ + tūn. Also often spelled as Leighton. Bentley Layton (1941–2025), American religious scholar Bob Layton (born 1953), American comic book artist Caleb R. Layton (1851–1930), U.S. Representative from Delaware Caleb S.
What are the origins of the name Edgar Layton?
The name Edgar Layton combines two different traditions: the first name Edgar has Latin roots, while the surname Layton originates from English.
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