Alden is a given name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English word "æld", which means "old". The name Alden has a strong and powerful sound, reflecting its historical roots.
The name Alden was popular among the Puritans who settled in New England during the 17th century. Many families adopted this name as a way to honor their ancestors or to reflect their commitment to their faith. In fact, there are several towns and geographical features named Alden throughout the United States today, testament to its enduring popularity among early American settlers.
Despite its historical roots, the name Alden has also been popular in more recent times. It was ranked among the top 1000 names for boys born in the United States during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Today, Alden continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and meaningful name for their sons.
In literature and popular culture, the name Alden has been used by several notable authors and characters. For example, the character Alden Pyle appears in Graham Greene's novel "The Quiet American", while the author Alden Bell is known for his post-apocalyptic novels set in a world overrun by zombies.
Overall, the name Alden is a powerful and historic name with deep roots in English history. It has been embraced by generations of families throughout the centuries, reflecting its enduring appeal as a strong and meaningful choice for a boy's name.
The name Alden experienced a significant rise in popularity during the late 20th century and early 21st century, with a notable peak in recent years. Between 1924 and 1975, there were fewer than 10 babies named Alden each year, with some years recording no births at all. However, beginning in the mid-1970s, the number of births with the name Alden started to increase gradually, reaching double digits consistently by the early 1980s.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a substantial growth in popularity for the name Alden, with peaks of 19 births in 1988, 22 births in 1993, and 25 births each in 1998 and 2001. This trend continued throughout the early 2000s, with a record high of 41 births recorded in 2004.
Since 2004, the popularity of the name Alden has remained consistently high, with annual birth numbers ranging from the mid-teens to the low thirties. The most recent data available shows that there were 25 births named Alden in both 2022 and 2023.
In total, over the period from 1924 to 2023, there have been 908 babies named Alden recorded in these annual statistics. This upward trend in popularity suggests that Alden is now a well-established and popular name choice for newborns.