Holding steady.
Popularity of Seldon since 1882
Babies named Seldon per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Seldon's real moment was 1887.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 12 |
| 1890s | 14 |
| 1900s | 16 |
| 1910s | 173 |
| 1920s | 224 |
| 1930s | 161 |
| 1940s | 128 |
| 1950s | 89 |
| 1960s | 58 |
| 1970s | 51 |
| 1980s | 17 |
| 1990s | 26 |
| 2000s | 19 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Seldon is a rare masculine name with English origins, derived from a surname meaning 'willow valley'. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1882, but has never ranked in the top 1000 names. Its peak usage occurred in 1887, when it was given to fewer than a handful of newborns per year. Since then, its usage has remained stable but extremely uncommon, typically fewer than 5 births annually in recent decades. The name's trajectory has been flat, reflecting its status as a distinctive choice outside mainstream fashion. Seldon is not associated with any particular state or region, having been recorded sporadically across the country. As a revival possibility, its historical rarity and surname style might appeal to parents seeking an underused name with a nature-rooted meaning.
Seldon originated as a surname, likely from a place name composed of Old English elements 'sealh' (willow) and 'denu' (valley), meaning 'willow valley'. It is also considered a variant of the surname Selden or Seldon. As a given name, it saw modest use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States, but never achieved widespread popularity.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sel
Variants: Selden
Sibling names for Seldon
Names that share Seldon's style, for a brother or sister.
