Holden is a boy's name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent decades. The name is derived from the Old English word "holban," which means "hollow" or "valley." It is believed to have originally been used as a surname, referring to someone who lived in a hollow valley.
The meaning behind Holden is often associated with the idea of being strong and steadfast, like a mountain that stands firm even in the face of adversity. This could be due to the fact that the name was traditionally given to people who were thought to possess these qualities.
There are several notable historical figures named Holden. One of the most famous is Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of J.D. Salinger's classic novel "The Catcher in the Rye." The character has become synonymous with the name Holden and has contributed to its rise in popularity as a boy's name.
In terms of popular culture, Holden has also been used as a name for characters in various movies, TV shows, and books. For example, Holden McNeil is a character in Kevin Smith's film "Chasing Amy," and Holden Ford is the protagonist of the True Crime podcast that was adapted into the Netflix series "Mindhunter."
Overall, Holden is a strong and unique boy's name with a rich history and several notable figures associated with it. Its meaning and origins make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their son.
The name Holden experiences significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. While it was quite rare from 1902 to 1965 with only a few births per year, it began to gain traction in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with numbers ranging from 5 to 12 births annually. However, the real boom in popularity occurred between 1986 and 2022, during which time Holden became one of the most popular names, with yearly totals often exceeding 1000 births. The peak was reached in 2017 with 1730 births, followed by a slight decrease in recent years. In total, there have been over 30,000 babies named Holden since 1902.