A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Warden since 1914
Babies named Warden per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 55 |
| 1920s | 84 |
| 1930s | 60 |
| 1940s | 33 |
| 1950s | 37 |
| 1960s | 10 |
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 28 |
| 2020s | 43 |
Meaning & origin
Warden is a rare given name with a straightforward occupational meaning: guardian or watchman. First recorded in 1914, it reached its highest U.S. rank in 1921, placing 5,194th that year. After decades of obscurity, Warden has been rising in use since 2014, suggesting a revival of interest in strong, surname-style names. In 2025 it was given to only about 1 in every 155,280 newborns, placing it at rank 7,194. The name's trajectory is one of quiet resurgence, appealing to parents who favor uncommon but recognizable names with a historical footing.
Warden derives from the Old English 'weardian', meaning 'to guard or protect'. It originally served as an occupational surname for a gatekeeper or watchman. As a given name, Warden saw modest use in the early 20th century, then largely faded before a recent revival. Its usage as a surname persists alongside the given name.
Sibling names for Warden
Names that share Warden's style, for a brother or sister.
