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Alden Unisex

Popularity: #499 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationAL-den / ˈɔːl.dən

Old English; German

Meaning

Old English: 'old friend'; German: 'noble'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Alden has its roots in Old English, deriving from the elements "ald," meaning "old" or "wise," and "en," which is a suffix denoting belonging or relation. This etymological combination suggests a meaning akin to "old friend" or "wise protector." The name was introduced into the English language during the early medieval period, when Old English was transitioning into Middle English, around the 11th century. Its usage can be traced back to various Anglo-Saxon contexts, where names often reflected personal attributes or familial ties.

Historically, Alden appears in several notable contexts. One significant figure is Alden of Rievaulx, a 12th-century English Cistercian monk known for his writings on spirituality and monastic life. Additionally, the name gained prominence through its association with the Alden family, who were early settlers in America during the 17th century, notably including John Alden, a Mayflower passenger in 1620. His legacy contributed to the name's recognition in American history and culture, particularly in relation to early colonial narratives.

Culturally, the name Alden has been associated with wisdom and age, reflecting the qualities of a sage or elder. This connection to wisdom may have contributed to its endurance in various forms of literature and storytelling. The name has also seen variations and diminutives, such as Aldo, which have appeared in different cultures, further enriching its historical tapestry. Overall, Alden embodies a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, rooted in the values of wisdom and companionship.

Trend Summary

Alden has experienced a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Aldin
  • Alden

International Variants

  • Aldo (Italian)
  • Aldin (Slavic)

Famous people named Alden

Alden Ehrenreich is an actor best known for Solo: A Star Wars Story, Hail, Caesar!, and Beautiful Creatures.

Alden Richards is an actor and model best known for Alakdana, The Road, and Eat Bulaga!.

Alden Smith is a former professional American football player best known for playing as a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers.

Fictional characters named Alden

Alden is a fictional character from the video game series Fire Emblem. He is a skilled warrior who plays a significant role in the story's conflict.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Alden was first seen in the United States in 1880. Alden has ranked as high as #883 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Massachusetts, New York, Michigan, and Minnesota. In the past 5 years the name Alden has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Alden (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 50
12%
TX 38
9%
WA 29
7%
MI 25
6%
FL 22
5%
NC 20
5%
OH 20
5%
PA 18
4%
GA 16
4%
MA 16
4%
NY 15
3%
VA 14
3%
MO 13
3%
OR 13
3%
MN 12
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18809
18816
18828
188312
18846
18855
18868
18877
18886
188910
189010
18919
18929
18935
18948
18958
189610
18979
189817
18999
190013
190110
190210
190311
190418
190519
190614
190724
190828
190912
191013
191146
191279
191393
1914113
1915155
1916174
1917166
1918181
1919167
1920180
1921193
1922184
1923176
1924183
1925173
1926183
1927141
1928171
1929164
1930146
1931134
1932158
1933114
1934144
1935106
1936120
1937132
1938119
1939117
1940116
1941103
1942112
1943126
1944105
1945105
194679
1947124
194896
194983
195089
195199
195295
195398
195486
195597
1956110
195787
195886
195992
196086
196185
196260
196384
196476
196576
196666
196762
196853
196972
197059
197148
197244
197347
197444
197554
197643
197748
197853
197957
198057
198164
198284
198368
198479
198586
198692
198784
198894
198992
1990119
199191
1992116
1993100
1994116
1995142
1996143
1997143
1998196
1999144
2000186
2001159
2002178
2003251
2004257
2005258
2006249
2007275
2008222
2009242
2010251
2011244
2012294
2013331
2014337
2015340
2016391
2017409
2018411
2019435
2020387
2021394
2022445
2023431
2024492