gender neutral
Holden
hollow valley
About Holden
Literary connections give this name immediate intellectual cachet, though it functions perfectly well independent of any reference. The two syllables create a balanced, masculine sound that ages exceptionally well. Its usage has increased in recent decades while remaining far from oversaturated, occupying that desirable middle ground between obscure and common. The name carries a subtle sophistication that appeals to educated parents without alienating others. It sounds strong without being aggressive, traditional without being stuffy. The straightforward spelling prevents confusion, while the clear pronunciation ensures consistent use. Parents appreciate names that work across contexts—playground to boardroom—and this accomplishes that transition seamlessly. It suggests reliability and substance, qualities most families hope to instill in their sons. The name's American character grounds it culturally while remaining accessible internationally. This represents thoughtful naming that considers both present appeal and future functionality.
Popularity of the Name Holden
Rank among the 1,000 most popular baby names, by year.
| United States | New Zealand | Canada | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | #909 | ||
| 1988 | #793 | ||
| 1989 | #817 | ||
| 1990 | #751 | ||
| 1991 | #660 | ||
| 1992 | #691 | #732 | |
| 1993 | #630 | #998 | |
| 1994 | #602 | #628 | |
| 1995 | #597 | #680 | |
| 1996 | #566 | #718 | |
| 1997 | #477 | #682 | |
| 1998 | #418 | #910 | |
| 1999 | #431 | #541 | |
| 2000 | #453 | #535 | |
| 2001 | #443 | #523 | |
| 2002 | #413 | #477 | |
| 2003 | #415 | #367 | #398 |
| 2004 | #371 | #382 | #463 |
| 2005 | #357 | #369 | |
| 2006 | #385 | #370 | |
| 2007 | #378 | #372 | |
| 2008 | #357 | #411 | |
| 2009 | #335 | #278 | |
| 2010 | #317 | #318 | |
| 2011 | #299 | #332 | |
| 2012 | #296 | #306 | |
| 2013 | #289 | #309 | |
| 2014 | #291 | #226 | |
| 2015 | #291 | #306 | |
| 2016 | #270 | #274 | |
| 2017 | #242 | #250 | |
| 2018 | #217 | #236 | |
| 2019 | #250 | #302 | |
| 2020 | #227 | #275 | |
| 2021 | #236 | #295 | |
| 2022 | #285 | #317 | |
| 2023 | #286 | #424 | |
| 2024 | #281 | #323 | |
| 2025 | #297 | #381 |
Top names by country: United States · New Zealand · Canada
Variations of Name Holden
- Holdan
- Holdin
- Holdyn
- Holdon
Names Similar to Holden
Nicknames for Holden
- Hold
- Den
- Holly
- Denny
Famous People Named Holden
| Holden Caulfield | Fictional character from J.D. Salinger's novel "The Catcher in the Rye" |
| Holden Thorp | American chemist and academic |
| Holden Roberto | Angolan politician and independence leader |
| Holden Young | English professional footballer |
| Holden Commodore | Australian-made car model |
| Holden Nowell | Canadian model and actor |
| Holden Hayes | American musician and composer |
| Holden White | American athlete and football player |
| Holden Ray | American singer-songwriter |
| Holden Zalma | American screenwriter and director |
| Holden Ellsworth | American artist and sculptor |
| Holden Gorka | American soccer player |
| Holden Knebel | American actor and filmmaker |
| Holden St. Clair | American journalist and writer |
| Holden Cook | American chef and restaurateur |
| Holden Tucker | American painter and illustrator |
| Holden Balgley | American ballet dancer |
| Holden Blythe | American poet and author |
| Holden Lewis | American journalist and news anchor |
Characters Named Holden
| Holden Caulfield | "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger |
| Holden McNeil | "Chasing Amy" and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" by Kevin Smith |
| Holden Ford | "Mindhunter" - TV series |
| Holden Carver | "Sleeper" - comic book series |
| Holden Webster | "90210" - TV series |
| Holden Snyder | "As the World Turns" - soap opera |
| Holden MacNeil | "Damages" - TV series |
| Holden Winters | "Days of Our Lives" - soap opera |
| Holden Strauss | "Pretty Little Liars" - TV series |
| Holden Radcliffe | "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" |
| Holden Everett | "Crossfire" - book series by Sylvia Day |
| Holden Finch | "The OA" - TV series |
| Holden Novak | "The Last Dance" - book by Kiki Swinson |
| Holden Matthews | "Kyle XY" - TV series |
| Holden Stansfield | "Crank" - film |
| Holden Worthington | "The Hunger Games" - book series by Suzanne Collins |
| Holden Wilson | "Heroes" - TV series |
| Holden Payne | "Passions" - soap opera |