Save Gender Masculine Usage Portuguese (Brazilian), English (American, Rare) Pronounced Pron. [ˈɛd.sõ](Brazilian Portuguese) [ˈɛd.sən](American English) [key·simplify] Other Forms FormsÉdson Meaning & History Variant of Edison or transferred use of the surname Edson. This was the name of Brazilian soccer player Pelé (Edson Arantes do Nascimento), widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. It has become very popular in Brazil ever since.