Is Ward short for anything?
Yes, usually. In old records Ward mostly appears as a pet form of Edward, though plenty of families gave it as a name in its own right. Less often it stands in for Howard and Woodward. Expect it in American records, mostly 1800s-1900s. When a census shows Ward, check the family's other papers for a Edward before you decide which reading you have.
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FAQs
Is Ward a nickname?+
Usually. Most records that say Ward trace back to a Edward, but some families used it as the full given name.
Is Ward a real name on its own?+
Yes - it also appears as a standalone given name, especially in later eras. Earlier records lean toward Edward.
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