Edel

Used predominantly in Ireland, Edel was a popular choice from the 40s through until the 90s, largely in honor of the Irish missionary, Edel Quinn, known for her work with the poor in the slums of Dublin and later, as a Legion of Mary Envoy in Africa. Quiin was named after the edelweiss flower, making this a non-frilly floral choice.

Edel is additionally used as a short form of names containing the German element, edel, such as in Edeltraud and Edelmira. In this case, it would would mean "noble".

In Ireland, you may hear it said as EE-dehl, while from its German roots, AY-duhl or EH-dehl may be heard.

As of October 2026, Edel ranked #14292 in US births in 2018 SSA, peaked at #1794 in 1906.