Rising since 1994, #1,401 for boys today.
Popularity of Alder since 1915
Babies named Alder per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 13 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 132 |
| 2010s | 485 |
| 2020s | 710 |
Meaning & origin
Alder is a nature name with a solid, grounded feel that has been slowly rising in use. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1915, but after a long period of obscurity began a steady upward trajectory starting in 1994. By 2025, it reached its peak rank of 1401, with about 1 in every 13,139 boys receiving the name. The name is most commonly found in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Washington, Oregon, and Colorado, reflecting its affinity for the region's landscape. Alder fits well within the broader trend of botanical names for boys, offering a distinctive alternative to more common choices like Ash or Oak.
Alder is an English surname that originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near alder trees, from Old English 'alor' meaning 'alder'. It gained use as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, part of the trend of nature-inspired names. The alder tree has long been associated with resilience and is native to many parts of Europe and North America.
Where Alder is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al
Variants: Aldor
Sibling names for Alder
Names that share Alder's style, for a brother or sister.
