Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Holden
BoyOld English, English· “hollow valley”
- Meaning
- hollow valley
- Origin
- Old English, English
- Pronunciation
- HOHL-den
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #297
- US babies 2025
- 1,140
- Best rank
- #217 (2018)
- Peak year
- 2018
Meaning and origin of Holden
Holden is an Old English and English name that is usually said to mean “hollow valley”.
Holden comes from an English surname based on a place name, formed from the Old English hol, meaning "hollow," and denu, meaning "valley." It described people who came from a village in a deep valley. The name is widely associated with Holden Caulfield, the narrator of J. D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye, and it is also the name of an Australian car brand. As a first name Holden has a thoughtful, slightly literary feel, and it fits in with other surname names such as Hudson and Walker. It is easy to say and has a calm, grounded sound.
Popularity over time
Holden first appears in US Social Security records in 1902. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 39 different years, starting in 1987. Its best national rank was #217 in 2018, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,732 babies. In 2025, 1,140 babies were named Holden, and it ranked #297 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,857 in 1920, #3,711 in 1980, #453 in 2000, #317 in 2010, and #297 in 2025. Of the 32,507 US boys named Holden since records began, 40% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 7,899 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kyrie, Lukas, Colt, Kyler, and Killian.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Holden ranked highest in West Virginia, Wyoming, and North Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #90 | 21 |
| Wyoming | #104 | 5 |
| North Dakota | #129 | 10 |
| South Dakota | #131 | 10 |
| Maine | #133 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Holden over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Holden is usually pronounced HOHL-den, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with H and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Holden
A few middle names that flow with Holden: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Holden
Similar names
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Lists that include Holden
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Holden mean?
Holden is an Old English and English name that is usually said to mean “hollow valley”.
What is the origin of the name Holden?
Holden has Old English and English roots. Holden comes from an English surname based on a place name, formed from the Old English hol, meaning "hollow," and denu, meaning "valley." It described people who came from a village in a deep valley.
Is Holden a popular name?
Yes. Holden ranked #297 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Holden a boy or girl name?
Holden is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Holden over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Holden?
Holden is usually pronounced HOHL-den. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings