Holden is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #242 in 2017 with 1,531 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2018 with 1,731 births ranking #217. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 374.0%. In 2017, approximately 1 in every 1,209 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.