Find out how popular the first name Alder has been for the last 39 years (from 1985 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alder by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Alder is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 97% of people named Alder being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 123 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Alder.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby girls were named Alder in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Alder

The name Alder has its origins in Old English and Germanic languages, tracing back to the early medieval period. It is derived from the Old English word "alor," meaning "alder tree," which is a species of tree belonging to the birch family.

This name was likely first used as a surname or byname, referring to someone who lived near an alder tree or grove. Over time, it transitioned into use as a given name, particularly in England and other parts of the British Isles.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Alder is found in the Domesday Book, a historical record commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears in various spellings, such as "Alor" and "Aloyr," indicating its use during the Norman period.

In the Middle Ages, the name Alder was occasionally mentioned in literary works and historical accounts, although its usage was relatively rare. One notable example is Alder of Winchester, a 12th-century scholar and theologian who wrote extensively on biblical exegesis.

During the Renaissance and Reformation periods, the name Alder continued to be used, albeit infrequently. One notable bearer was Alder Everitt (1535-1592), an English clergyman and one of the translators involved in the creation of the King James Bible.

In the 17th century, Alder gained some prominence as a given name in Puritan communities in New England. Alder Brewster (1619-1684) was a prominent figure in the early history of Massachusetts, serving as a military officer and local leader.

Another significant figure was Alder Philbrick (1689-1771), a colonial American farmer and early settler in New Hampshire. He played a role in the establishment of the town of Rye and was involved in various land disputes with neighboring communities.

As the name Alder continued to be used over the centuries, other notable individuals bearing this name included Alder Belknap (1751-1826), an American lawyer and jurist who served as a justice on the Supreme Court of New Hampshire, and Alder Crosby (1808-1885), a Baptist minister and author from Maine.

While not a widely popular name throughout history, Alder has maintained a presence as a unique and nature-inspired choice, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its connection to the alder tree and its Old English roots lend it a sense of rustic charm and cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alder was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alder, please contact us.

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