Arden is a unisex given name of Latin origin, derived from the word "arden," which means "burning" or "ardent." It is often associated with the concept of passion and intensity, reflecting the fiery nature of its meaning.
The name Arden has been used throughout history, but it gained significant popularity in the United States during the 20th century. In the United States alone, there have been over 17,000 people with the first name Arden since 1880. However, its usage peaked between the 1950s and 1960s.
Arden has also been used as a surname throughout history. It is derived from Old English words "eard" meaning "hard" or "strong," and "en" meaning "estate." This suggests that Arden could have originally referred to someone who lived on an estate or had a strong character.
In literature, the name Arden appears in William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It," where it is used as the surname of one of the main characters. The use of this name by Shakespeare may have contributed to its popularity in later years.
Today, Arden continues to be used as both a given name and a surname around the world. Its fiery meaning makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
"Arden has seen a significant increase in its popularity as a baby name over the past century and a half, with consistent fluctuations in usage. The number of births peaked in recent years, reaching an all-time high of 213 in 2023. However, it's interesting to note that there were several periods where Arden was consistently popular, such as between 1912 and 1924, with over 86 births each year on average during this period."