Holding steady.
Popularity of Alben since 1915
Babies named Alben per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 14 |
| 1920s | 42 |
| 1930s | 42 |
| 1940s | 26 |
| 1950s | 37 |
| 1960s | 17 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 11 |
| 2000s | 10 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Alben is a rare masculine name that saw its highest documented usage in 1938, though it has never entered the U.S. top 1000 rankings. First recorded in 1915, the name has remained consistently uncommon, with a trajectory described as stable. Its origins are uncertain but likely tied to the Latin-rooted Albin or the Germanic Albert, both names with established histories. In the 1930s decade, Alben appeared in small numbers, possibly influenced by the popularity of similar-sounding names. Today, it offers a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with vintage appeal and a straightforward pronunciation.
Alben is likely a variant spelling of Albin, which derives from the Latin name Albinus (from albus 'white'). It may also have arisen as a shortening of Albert. The name saw modest use in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, peaking in 1938.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al
Sibling names for Alben
Names that share Alben's style, for a brother or sister.
