Holden Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Holden Name Meaning

Fact: The Holden Torana A9X, released in 1977, is considered a classic without any promotional campaigns​

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A Deep Dive

Holden Overview

Meaning

Hollow valley

Gender

Boy, Gender-neutral

Origin

Old English

Etymology

Has its roots in Old English, derived from “hol” meaning “hollow” and “denu” meaning “valley.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈhoʊldən/

Popularity

Holden is gaining recognition in the USA and has a modern appeal in English-speaking countries. In 2023, Holden ranked #226 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

4 (Orderly, Steady, Service-oriented)

Name Styles

Vintage, Cool, Nature-inspired

Associated Traits

Thoughtful, creative, adventurous

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Often chosen for its literary connection to Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye.”
A Deep Dive

Holden Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Haldon, Holdon, Halden, Houlden

Common Nicknames

Holo, Deno, Hody, Holdino, Hoden

Diminutives

Hal, Denny, Holdy, Ollie, Den

Famous People

  • Holden Snyder
    (Character)
  • Holden Thorp
    (American Scientist)
  • Holden Roberto
    (Angolan Revolutionary)
  • Holden Nowell
    (Canadian Model)
  • Holden Copley
    (American Author)
  • Holden Ray
    (American Baseball Player)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Holden Caulfield
    ("The Catcher in the Rye," Novel)
  • Holden Ford
    ("Mindhunter," TV Series)
  • Holden Matthews
    ("The Expanse," TV Series)
  • "Holden"
    (Film)
  • Holden Radcliffe
    ("Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," TV Series)
  • Holden McNeil
    ("Chasing Amy," Film)
  • Holden Snyder
    ("As the World Turns," TV Series)
  • Holden Holliwell
    ("Charmed," TV Series)
  • Holden Avery
    ("Sanctuary," TV Series)

Places

  • Holden Beach Town
    (North Carolina, USA)
  • Holden Village
    (Washington, USA)
  • Holden Park
    (West Yorkshire, England)
  • Holden Arboretum
    (Ohio, USA)
  • Holden Hill Suburb
    (South Australia, Australia)

What Is the Meaning of Holden?

Holden translates to “hollow valley” or “deep valley.” Those with this name are typically seen as thoughtful and introspective, often demonstrating a strong sense of depth and sensitivity.

What Is the Origin of The Name Holden?

Holden has its roots in Old English, derived from the words “hol” meaning “hollow” and “denu” meaning “valley.” The name originally served as a place name, describing a geographic location characterized by a deep valley.

Holden Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Holden in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#2362021#2832022#2852023
Top 3 Rankings#2172018#2272020#2362021

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Holden

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023285
(-2 from 2022)
1171
(-48 from 2022)
0.06395
2022283
(-47 from 2021)
1219
(-285 from 2021)
0.06508
2021236
(-9 from 2020)
1504
(-143 from 2020)
0.08027
2020227
(+23 from 2019)
1647
(+182 from 2019)
0.08904
2019250
(-33 from 2018)
1465
(-265 from 2018)
0.07623
2018217
(+25 from 2017)
1730
(+199 from 2017)
0.08900
2017242
(+28 from 2016)
1531
(+175 from 2016)
0.07736
2016270
(+21 from 2015)
1356
(+102 from 2015)
0.06694
2015291
No change from 2014
1254
(+36 from 2014)
0.06134
2014291
(-2 from 2013)
1218
(+12 from 2013)
0.05944
2013289
(+7 from 2012)
1206
(+29 from 2012)
0.05968
2012296
(+3 from 2011)
1177
(+63 from 2011)
0.05800
2011299
(+17 from 2010)
1114
(+103 from 2010)
0.05484
2010316
(+18 from 2009)
1011
(+56 from 2009)
0.04921
2009334
(+23 from 2008)
955
(+78 from 2008)
0.04503
2008357
(+21 from 2007)
877
(+65 from 2007)
0.04022
2007378
(+7 from 2006)
812
(+35 from 2006)
0.03666
2006385
(-29 from 2005)
777
(-53 from 2005)
0.03544
2005356
(+15 from 2004)
830
(+83 from 2004)
0.03902
2004371
(+44 from 2003)
747
(+128 from 2003)
0.03535
2003415
(-3 from 2002)
619
(+5 from 2002)
0.02946
2002412
(+30 from 2001)
614
(+67 from 2001)
0.02971
2001442
(+9 from 2000)
547
(+20 from 2000)
0.02645
2000451
(-21 from 1999)
527
(-15 from 1999)
0.02524
1999430
(-13 from 1998)
542
(-20 from 1998)
0.02658
1998417
(+60 from 1997)
562
(+111 from 1997)
0.02772
1997477
(+88 from 1996)
451
(+128 from 1996)
0.02258
1996565
(+31 from 1995)
323
(+24 from 1995)
0.01612
1995596
(+6 from 1994)
299
(+1 from 1994)
0.01487
1994602
(+28 from 1993)
298
(+31 from 1993)
0.01462
1993630
(+62 from 1992)
267
(+43 from 1992)
0.01293
1992692
(-30 from 1991)
224
(-10 from 1991)
0.01067
1991662
(+93 from 1990)
234
(+52 from 1990)
0.01104
1990755
(+64 from 1989)
182
(+36 from 1989)
0.00846
1989819
(-24 from 1988)
146
(+3 from 1988)
0.00697
1988795
(+113 from 1987)
143
(+36 from 1987)
0.00714
1987908
(+361 from 1986)
107
(+49 from 1986)
0.00549
19861269
(+1800 from 1985)
58
(+43 from 1985)
0.00302
19853069
(-363 from 1984)
15
(-2 from 1984)
0.00078
19842706
(+2202 from 1983)
17
(+10 from 1983)
0.00091
19834908
(-1426 from 1982)
7
(-5 from 1982)
0.00038
19823482
(+671 from 1981)
12
(+3 from 1981)
0.00064
19814153
(-538 from 1980)
9
(-2 from 1980)
0.00048
19803615
(+1740 from 1979)
11
(+5 from 1979)
0.00059
19795355
(-2140 from 1978)
6
(-6 from 1978)
0.00033
19783215
(+2629 from 1977)
12
(+7 from 1977)
0.00070
19775844
(-1425 from 1976)
5
(-2 from 1976)
0.00029
19764419
(-476 from 1975)
7
(-1 from 1975)
0.00043
19753943
(+563 from 1973)
8
(+2 from 1973)
0.00049
19740
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19734506
(-1444 from 1969)
6
(-3 from 1969)
0.00037
19720
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19710
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19693062
(+44 from 1968)
9
(+1 from 1968)
0.00049
19683106
(+429 from 1966)
8
(+2 from 1966)
0.00045
19670
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19663535
(-755 from 1965)
6
(-3 from 1965)
0.00033
19652780
(+1255 from 1964)
9
(+4 from 1964)
0.00048
19644035
(-1179 from 1963)
5
(-4 from 1963)
0.00025
19632856
(+186 from 1962)
9
(+1 from 1962)
0.00044
19623042
(+55 from 1961)
8
No change from 1961
0.00038
19613097
(-18 from 1960)
8
No change from 1960
0.00037
19603079
(-261 from 1958)
8
(-1 from 1958)
0.00037
19590
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19582818
(+438 from 1957)
9
(+2 from 1957)
0.00042
19573256
(-40 from 1956)
7
No change from 1956
0.00032
19563216
(-16 from 1955)
7
No change from 1955
0.00033
19553200
(+629 from 1954)
7
(+2 from 1954)
0.00033
19543829
(-406 from 1953)
5
(-1 from 1953)
0.00024
19533423
(-59 from 1951)
6
No change from 1951
0.00030
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19513364
(+327 from 1949)
6
(+1 from 1949)
0.00031
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19493691
(+42 from 1947)
5
No change from 1947
0.00028
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19473733
(-195 from 1943)
5
No change from 1943
0.00027
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19433538
(-326 from 1942)
5
(-1 from 1942)
0.00034
19423212
(+293 from 1941)
6
(+1 from 1941)
0.00043
19413505
(-376 from 1940)
5
(-1 from 1940)
0.00040
19403129
(+405 from 1938)
6
(+1 from 1938)
0.00051
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19383534
(-16 from 1937)
5
No change from 1937
0.00044
19373518
(+31 from 1936)
5
No change from 1936
0.00046
19363549
(+96 from 1935)
5
No change from 1935
0.00047
19353645
(-284 from 1932)
5
(-1 from 1932)
0.00047
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19323361
(-496 from 1931)
6
(-2 from 1931)
0.00056
19312865
(+1094 from 1929)
8
(+3 from 1929)
0.00075
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19293959
(-1116 from 1928)
5
(-4 from 1928)
0.00045
19282843
(+937 from 1927)
9
(+3 from 1927)
0.00079
19273780
(+567 from 1924)
6
(+1 from 1924)
0.00052
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19244347
(-1733 from 1923)
5
(-6 from 1923)
0.00043
19232614
(+16 from 1922)
11
No change from 1922
0.00097
19222630
(+2 from 1921)
11
No change from 1921
0.00098
19212632
(+134 from 1920)
11
(+1 from 1920)
0.00097
19202766
(+1414 from 1918)
10
(+5 from 1918)
0.00091
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19184180
(-199 from 1917)
5
No change from 1917
0.00048
19173981
(-589 from 1915)
5
(-1 from 1915)
0.00052
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19153392
(-741 from 1914)
6
(-1 from 1914)
0.00068
19142651
(+170 from 1913)
7
(+2 from 1913)
0.00102
19132821
(-1684 from 1902)
5
No change from 1902
0.00093
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19021137
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00377
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Holden

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#3052021#3432022#3522023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#4452021#4162022#5452023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#1592021#1912022#2442023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#1402021#1872022#2012023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#4002021#4332022#3872023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#2292021#2292022#3242023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#2072021#1992022#2022023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#2462021#3742022#2842023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#4112021#5442022#4892023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#2692021#3052022#2742023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#1602021#2132022#1972023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#1432021#2542022#1912023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#1962021#2972022#2412023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#1782021#2292022#2402023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#1952021#2352022#2332023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#2632021#4282022#3342023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#2202021#2152022#2782023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#2232021#2282022#2582023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#2422021#2542022#2132023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#2152021#2342022#2122023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#2322021#2062022#3762023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#2172021#2932022#2402023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#1272021#1772022#2142023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#2982021#3362022#4322023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#1832021#1552022#1742023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#2842021#4232022#3672023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#1602021#2052022#1392023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#2442021#2872022#2492023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#1692021#2172022#1782023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#3982021#3822022#9642023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#2152021#1912022#2802023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1492021#1292022#1672023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#2302020#4222021#4852023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1222021#1182022#962023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1882021#3812022#1822023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#2282021#2722022#3642023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1942021#1902022#2052023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1002021#1602022#1022023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#2392020#4192021#4602022

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1022020#1672021#1932023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#792021#1822022#1362023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2362019#1152020#1422021

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1692018#1352020#1302021

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1102020#1932022#1812023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1092020#1172022#582023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#4082019#3512020#3292022

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#572016#872018#982020

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1722009#2222016#2132019

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2252013#2172017

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2552014#2132021

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#2192016

Popularity Rankings for Holden in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#2852021#2692022#5662023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3562003#3742004

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#4611977

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#5472016#10002017#7122018

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Holden a Name for Boys or Girls?

Typically, Holden is considered a boy’s name, embodying a longstanding tradition of its use in literature and popular culture.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Holden

Holden in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Holden Snyder (Character): A long-running character on the American soap opera "As the World Turns."
  • Holden Thorp (Scientist, born 1964): An American chemist and current editor-in-chief of the journal Science.
  • Holden Roberto (Revolutionary, 1923–2007): An Angolan revolutionary and leader of the National Liberation Front of Angola.
  • Holden Nowell (Model, born 1989): A Canadian model and actor, best known for his appearance in Carly Rae Jepsen's music video "Call Me Maybe."
  • Holden Copley (Author, 1945–2010): An American author known for his science fiction novels and short stories.
  • Holden Ray (Athlete, born 1987): An American professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball.
  • Holden Caulfield ("The Catcher in the Rye," 1951 Novel): A teenage boy who becomes disillusioned with the adult world and runs away to New York City.
  • Holden Ford ("Mindhunter," 2017 TV Series): An FBI agent who interviews serial killers to understand how they think and solve cases.
  • Holden Matthews ("The Expanse," 2015 TV Series): A central character who becomes a key figure in the fight for control of the solar system.
  • "Holden" (2015 Film): A drama that follows the story of a young man's journey of self-discovery and redemption.
  • Holden Radcliffe ("Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," 2013 TV Series): A brilliant scientist with a complex moral compass who creates life-like androids.
  • Holden McNeil ("Chasing Amy," 1997 Film): A comic book artist who falls in love with a woman with a complicated past.
  • Holden Snyder ("As the World Turns," 1956 TV Series): A long-running character on this classic soap opera, dealing with numerous family and romantic dramas.
  • Holden Holliwell ("Charmed," 1998 TV Series): A minor character who gets involved with the magical Halliwell sisters.
  • Holden Avery ("Sanctuary," 2008 TV Series): A wealthy businessman with a hidden agenda involving abnormal creatures.
  • Holden Beach (North Carolina, USA): A seaside town on the southern coast of North Carolina famous for its sandy beaches.
  • Holden Village (Washington, USA): A remote retreat center located in the Cascade Mountains.
  • Holden Park (West Yorkshire, England): A Victorian-era public park located in the town of Oakworth.
  • Holden Arboretum (Ohio, USA): One of the largest arboretums and botanical gardens in the United States.
  • Holden Hill (South Australia, Australia): A suburb of Adelaide in the state of South Australia.
  • Holden Lake (Michigan, USA): A lake in Barry County, popular for recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
  • Holden Chapel (Massachusetts, USA): One of the oldest buildings at Harvard University, used for various events and ceremonies.

Similar Names to Holden

Sibling Names for Holden

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Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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