A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elden since 1884
Babies named Elden per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1922, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elden's real moment was 1916.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 15 |
| 1890s | 41 |
| 1900s | 74 |
| 1910s | 731 |
| 1920s | 1,262 |
| 1930s | 991 |
| 1940s | 669 |
| 1950s | 525 |
| 1960s | 335 |
| 1970s | 193 |
| 1980s | 131 |
| 1990s | 151 |
| 2000s | 211 |
| 2010s | 358 |
| 2020s | 234 |
Meaning & origin
Elden is a name of uncertain origins that has seen modest but enduring use in the United States since the late 19th century. First recorded in 1884, it reached its peak popularity in 1916, with a rank of 3,240 as of 2025. While never a top-tier name, it has experienced a resurgence since the 1990s, rising in usage after a period of decline. In recent years, approximately 1 in every 47,447 babies was named Elden, and the name has been particularly favored in California. Its obscure etymology and vintage sound appeal to parents seeking a name that feels both historical and distinctive.
Elden may derive from the English surname Eldon, which in turn comes from a place name meaning 'Ella's hill' (from the Old English personal name Ella and dūn 'hill') or 'old hill' (from eald 'old' and dūn). Alternatively, it could be a variant of the Old English name Alden, meaning 'old friend'. The name has been in use as a given name since at least the 19th century, appearing in U.S. records as early as 1884.
Where Elden 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Eldy
Sibling names for Elden
Names that share Elden's style, for a brother or sister.
