Linden is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the Middle Dutch word "lind," which means "lime tree." The lime tree is known for its tall, slender trunk and fragrant, creamy-white flowers that bloom in late spring.
The name Linden was initially used as a surname in England during the medieval period. However, it gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly among families who favored nature-inspired names for their children.
Over time, Linden has become associated with several notable figures in popular culture and history. For instance, Linden Thomas was an American football player who played professionally in the National Football League between 1974 and 1983. Additionally, the fictional character Linden Blair from the television series "Profiler" is named after the tree.
In literature, the name Linden has been used as a character's name or to represent specific locations. For example, in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia series, there is a character named Edmund and Lucy Pevensie who visit the land of Lantern Waste, which is also known as the Land of the Lame. While not directly related to the name Linden, this connection demonstrates how the name has been incorporated into various forms of media.
In summary, Linden is an American given name with origins in Middle Dutch that means "lime tree." It was initially used as a surname before gaining popularity as a given name during the mid-20th century. Throughout history and popular culture, several notable figures have carried this distinctive name.
The name Linden has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. In the early to mid-20th century, it was quite uncommon, with only a handful of babies named Linden each year between 1945 and 1965.
However, starting from the late 1970s, there was a noticeable increase in its popularity. The number of births with the name Linden began to rise steadily, reaching double digits annually by 1983.
The peak of this trend occurred in the late 2010s and early 2020s, with over 70 babies named Linden each year between 2016 and 2023. In fact, 2022 saw a significant spike, with 90 births being given the name Linden.
Overall, from 1945 to 2023, there were a total of 1846 babies named Linden in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not have always been one of the most popular names, Linden has nonetheless held its own over the decades and has seen periods of notable popularity.