Declining since 2003, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Dryden since 1992
Babies named Dryden per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 71 |
| 2000s | 226 |
| 2010s | 139 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Dryden is a rare given name that originated as an English surname. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1992, and its peak popularity came in 2007, though even then it was uncommon. The trajectory has been falling since 2003, and in 2025 only about 1 in 341,615 newborn boys received the name, ranking 12,008th. While no top states have recorded notably high usage, Dryden fits a pattern of surname-style names that appeal to parents seeking a distinctive option. Its etymology, pointing to a 'dry valley', gives it a subtle, grounded meaning without being overtly descriptive.
Dryden is an English surname turned given name, likely originating from a place name in Scotland or northern England. The place name itself may derive from Old English 'dryge' (dry) and 'denu' (valley), thus 'dry valley'. It has been in occasional use as a first name since the 20th century.
Sibling names for Dryden
Names that share Dryden's style, for a brother or sister.
