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Edwards is a patronymic name meaning "son of Edward."  Eadweard was a Saxon name.  It appeared in the Domesday book as Eaaduardus and Eduard.  The name was in widespread use before the Norman invasion, because of two kings, Edward the Martyr and Edward the Confessor.

Select Edwards Resources on The Internet

• The Edwards Name.  About the Edwards name.
  
• Edwards Generations.  John Edwards' descendants.
• Descendants of William Edwards.  Edwards from Wales to upstate New York.
• Edwards Family History.  Edwards from Wales to New England.
• Edwards DNA Surname Project.  Edwards DNA.

England and Wales.  Edwards emerged as a surname in England in the 13th century, but became particularly popular in Wales by the 16th century.  Edwards family historians claim that Edwards were descended from Einon Efell, Lord of Cynlleath.  The first to assume the surname of Edwards was Robert, son of Edward ap Thomas ap Llewellyn. Branches of this family established themselves at Edwards Hall in Cardiff and at Ness Strange in Shropshire across the English border.

In England, the Edwards name was mainly to be found in the west country - in Somerset and Cornwall, as well as Shropshire.

Americas.  The Welshman Robert Edwards was said to have laid claim to valuable Manhattan real estate assets in 1778.  One hundred years later, when this land would have reverted to him, many so-called descendants emerged to stake a claim.  An "Association of Edwards' Heirs" is still around.  There has been an Edwards family of Welsh origin in Chile which has played a prominent role in Chilean public life.  

Jonathan Edwards was a Puritan preacher and missionary in colonial America.
George Edwards, an 18th century naturalist, is known as the father of English ornithology.
George Edwards was the founder of the Edwards line in Chile.
Jonathan Edwards holds the world record for the triple jump.