Is Ward a nickname for Edward?

[TwoMountains]

Been having a (lighthearted) argument with a friend about baby names and specifically nicknames for Edward.

I said nicknames for Edward are usually Ed / Eddie or maybe Ted / Ned.

She says Ward is a more common nickname for Edward and my examples aren’t used anymore for younger people.

So, who’s right?

Is Ward really a modern up to date nickname for the Edward’s out there?

I have a Edward and would not dream of Ward! For one thing, you pronounce that bit of the name more like “wood” anyway, so Ward doesn’t even make sense! Mine is an Eddie.

I've taught many many Edwards in my years but none have ever been called Ward.

Ed, Eddie and most commonly Teddy but never ever Ward. She's pulling your leg.

I've taught/know Edwards aged 2 upto about 19 and if they don't go by Edward, they are known as Ed, Eddie, Teddy or Ned. Never Ward.

I have taught a number of young children called Edward over the years.

They've been called Edward, Ed, Eddie and Ned.

Never heard of Ward being used, ever.

I agree with @GiantCheeseMonster the "ward" in Edward isn't really pronounced the same as ward, it's more wood. The only person I knew nn Wardie had the surname Ward and all the Edwards are Ed or Edward.

Ward is not a thing.

No.

Woody maybe, but not Ward.

I have only ever met one person who goes by the nickname ward

But it’s his surname,
He isn’t an Edward

No.

Not on the planet I live on, thank goodness. Ward is awful.

Ward? Never heard of it

Never heard of award from Edward.

*A Ward

@GiantCheeseMonster

I have a Edward and would not dream of Ward! For one thing, you pronounce that bit of the name more like “wood” anyway, so Ward doesn’t even make sense! Mine is an Eddie.

Same. And no one ever asks if he's know. As Ed, Ted or Ward! Definitely not out a nn.

I know a Ward. Not sure if he's officially an Edward though.

No as the end sound in Edward sounds more like word in my accent not ward as in hospital ward. It's an odd name anyway but not one I'd associate with Edward

Not in my brother's case.
Ed, Eddie, Woody are more likely

I did have a friend at school in the 90s (not UK) who we called waad. His name was actually Edouard (French) so it wasn’t even an accurate contraction and the d should have been silent.

Never heard it used since.

Woody yes - Ward nope

Woody but not 'ward'

Is your friend ok, op?

In this list of Wards [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward_(given_name)] we've got Ward as a given name, a middle name, short for Howard, short for Eduard, and short for, er Harry. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward_Ritchie

Mostly American, mostly quite old fashioned, it seems.

Oh the link didn't work
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward_(given_name)

No

It's pronounced Ed-wood so no!