Holden is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #477 in 1997 with 451 recorded births. This places Holden in the top 4% of ranked US boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Moderately Popular. The name reached its all-time peak in 2018 with 1,731 births ranking #217. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 39.6%. In 1997, approximately 1 in every 4,180 boys born was named Holden. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Holden is an English surname-style name usually linked with a deep or hollow valley. It has a calm, grounded sound and fits well with other polished modern boys' names.
The name entered first-name use from surname tradition and later gained literary visibility through Holden Caulfield. That mixture of surname polish and cultural recognition has helped it remain appealing.