Rising since 1988, #598 for boys today.
Popularity of Alden since 1880
Babies named Alden per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 77 |
| 1890s | 94 |
| 1900s | 159 |
| 1910s | 1,187 |
| 1920s | 1,748 |
| 1930s | 1,290 |
| 1940s | 1,049 |
| 1950s | 939 |
| 1960s | 720 |
| 1970s | 497 |
| 1980s | 800 |
| 1990s | 1,310 |
| 2000s | 2,277 |
| 2010s | 3,444 |
| 2020s | 2,630 |
Meaning & origin
Alden is a name with deep English roots, meaning 'old friend'. It has been in steady use since 1880, the earliest year in Social Security records. In 2025, it ranked 598th, with roughly 1 in 3,566 boys receiving the name. Its popularity has been on an upward trajectory since 1988, and it reached its peak rank in 2024. The name is especially favored in Maine, New Hampshire, and Montana. Alden carries a sense of tradition and warmth, making it a solid choice for parents seeking a name with historical weight yet contemporary appeal.
Alden derives from the Old English elements 'ald' (old) and 'wine' (friend). It was originally a surname before gaining popularity as a first name, notably associated with John Alden, a Mayflower passenger. Its use as a given name rose in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in New England.
Where Alden is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Alden” around the world
Where Alden lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al, Denny
Variants: Aldin, Allden
Sibling names for Alden
Names that share Alden's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Audrey, Clara, Eleanor, Hazel, Maeve, Aleta, Arden, Audria, Neysa, Adna, Aelin, Alura, Anora, Ardena, Ailed, Aldea, Aldene, Aleria, Aymar, Lanore, Leathia, Lydian, Alyda, Adine, Aftan, Airess, Aldonia, Andora, Aritha, Audine, Audris, Idonia, Janora, Olenna, Sayward, Stiorra, Sydna
Brothers: Arthur, Calvin, Ezra, Owen, Silas, Conway, Corwin, Elwyn, Alwin, Anden, Beren, Olvin, Orien, Renwick, Rolan, Undra, Aiken, Aldair, Arlind, Escher, Jarvin, Merik, Rawlin, Romyn, Sorren, Adren, Calven, Elmin, Elvan, Oshen
Names like Alden
Names whose popularity has moved with Alden's over the last 50 years.
