The name Alden is of Old English origin, derived from the elements "ald" meaning "old" and "dun" meaning "hill" or "down." It was a surname that developed into a given name over time.

The name was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey of landowners commissioned by William the Conqueror after the Norman conquest of England. It appeared as a locational surname referring to someone from a place called Alden or Aldun.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Alden was John Alden, a crew member on the Mayflower and one of the Pilgrim founders of the Plymouth Colony in 1620. He married Priscilla Mullins and is considered a crucial figure in the establishment of the colony.

Another notable Alden was Henry Mills Alden, an American editor and writer who served as the managing editor of Harper's Magazine from 1869 to 1919. He was born in 1836 and played a significant role in the magazine's success during his tenure.

Alden Partridge, born in 1785, was a pioneer in American military education and the founder of Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the United States. He also authored several works on military tactics and strategy.

In the field of literature, Alden Nowlan was a celebrated Canadian poet and novelist known for his works depicting the lives of working-class people in the Maritimes. He was born in 1933 and received numerous literary awards, including the Governor General's Award.

Alden Biesen, born in 1974, is a Dutch actor and filmmaker who has appeared in several successful television series and films in the Netherlands and Belgium. He is known for his versatility and ability to portray diverse characters.

While the name Alden has its roots in Old English, it has transcended its geographical origins and has been adopted by various cultures and communities around the world, often maintaining its association with antiquity and tradition.