"Pleasure, delight, or renewal"
Edna is a classic, somewhat vintage name with a gentle charm and a rich history. It evokes a sense of tradition and often brings to mind a kind and nurturing personality.
Edna has two main origins. In the Bible, it's a Hebrew name (עֶדְנָה - 'Ednah') meaning 'pleasure' or 'delight,' appearing in the Book of Tobit. It also has Old English roots from 'Ēadna,' a diminutive of names beginning with 'Ēad-' (meaning 'wealth, fortune'). The biblical origin is more commonly cited for its modern usage.
While having Old English roots, its most prominent cultural association is through the biblical figure Edna, the wife of Raguel and mother of Sarah in the Book of Tobit (part of the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles). This gives the name a subtle religious and historical weight. It experienced significant popularity in the early 20th century in English-speaking countries.