Enid

The name Enid is of Welsh origin, derived from the word 'enaid' meaning 'soul' or 'life'. It gained significant popularity in the English-speaking world primarily through Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 'Idylls of the King' (1859-1885), where Enid is a virtuous and beautiful character, the wife of Geraint. This literary exposure cemented its place in Victorian and early 20th-century English naming conventions. Before Tennyson, the name was known in Welsh mythology and literature, particularly in the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales.

While its roots are ancient Welsh, its widespread adoption as a given name in England and other English-speaking countries is largely attributed to its literary revival. It experienced a peak in popularity in the early 20th century but has since become less common, now often perceived as a vintage or classic name. Despite its decline in common usage, it retains a certain charm and a connection to Arthurian legend and a sense of gentle strength.