Ned

Ned is an English given name that originated as a medieval pet form of Edward, itself derived from the Old English elements ead, meaning wealth or fortune, and weard, meaning guard. The shift from Ed to Ned arose through the common medieval practice of adding an n from the preceding indefinite article, a process also seen in names such as Nan from Ann. The name has long been used independently in English-speaking countries and carries associations with plain-spoken, down-to-earth character. Related forms include Ed, Eddie, and the full name Edward.