Rising since 1985, #1,005 for boys today.
Popularity of Arden since 1881
Babies named Arden per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 15 |
| 1890s | 0 | 41 |
| 1900s | 0 | 66 |
| 1910s | 16 | 681 |
| 1920s | 111 | 1,159 |
| 1930s | 434 | 1,266 |
| 1940s | 224 | 981 |
| 1950s | 236 | 688 |
| 1960s | 186 | 402 |
| 1970s | 94 | 224 |
| 1980s | 166 | 176 |
| 1990s | 634 | 221 |
| 2000s | 1,535 | 538 |
| 2010s | 2,435 | 942 |
| 2020s | 1,447 | 1,167 |
Meaning & origin
Arden is a unisex name with English origins, most famously associated with the Forest of Arden in Shakespeare's 'As You Like It'. Its earliest recorded use as a given name dates to 1881, and it has seen a steady rise in usage since 1985. In 2024, it ranked 1005 in the United States, with about 1 in 7,591 newborns receiving the name. Its peak year so far is 2024, and it is particularly popular in states like Michigan, Oregon, and South Carolina. The name's earthy, nature-inspired feel and literary ties contribute to its appeal as a modern yet classic choice.
Arden derives from an English surname, itself taken from a place name. The most likely origin is the Forest of Arden in Warwickshire, which may come from a Celtic word meaning 'high' or 'steep'. Another possibility is the Old English word 'earn' (eagle) combined with 'denu' (valley), giving 'eagle valley'. The surname has been used as a given name since the 19th century, particularly gaining popularity in the United States.
Where Arden 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.
“Arden” around the world
Where Arden 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: Ardy, Denny
Variants: Ardyn
Sibling names for Arden
Names that share Arden's style, for a brother or sister.
