Eddy (surname)
Eddy is a surname of multiple origins, primarily found in English-speaking countries.
Origins:
- English: It can be a topographic name derived from the Middle English word "eddy" or "eaddy," meaning a whirlpool or back-flowing current. This likely originated as a descriptor for someone living near such a feature on a river or stream.
- German: It can also be a shortened form of the German given name "Edmund," or other names beginning with "Ed-".
- Irish: In some instances, it can be an Anglicized form of an Irish surname.
Distribution:
The surname Eddy is found across the globe, with notable concentrations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The geographic distribution often reflects historical migration patterns.
Notable People with the Surname:
- Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910), founder of Christian Science.
- Nelson Eddy (1901-1967), American singer and actor.