Find out how popular the first name Arden has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Arden by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Arden is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 68% of people named Arden being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 237 female babies and 213 male babies born with the name Arden.

The history of the first name Arden

The name Arden has its origins in the Old English language, where it was derived from the word "ardern," meaning "valley of the eagle." This name was initially used to refer to areas or places where eagles were known to nest or reside. The name's earliest recorded use as a given name dates back to the 13th century.

During the Middle Ages, Arden was a popular name among the English nobility and gentry, particularly those who owned estates or lands in forested areas or valleys. The name gained further prominence in literature through its association with the Forest of Arden, a famous setting in William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It," written in the late 16th century.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Arden was Arden of Faversham, an English landowner who lived in the late 13th century. He was the subject of a famous medieval play, "Arden of Faversham," which depicted his tragic murder by his wife and her lover.

Another notable figure was Arden Wingate (1889-1944), a British Army officer who played a significant role in the formation and training of special forces units during World War II. He is remembered for his innovative tactics and leadership in the Middle East and Burma campaigns.

In the realm of literature, Arden Quin (1913-2012) was an American author and playwright known for her works exploring themes of family, relationships, and personal identity. Her play "The Closing Door" was a Broadway success in the 1950s.

Arden Myrin (born 1973) is an American actress and comedian who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "MADtv," "Reno 911!," and "Insecure."

Arden Cho (born 1985) is an American actress and model of Korean descent, best known for her roles in the TV series "Teen Wolf" and "Chicago Med."

Throughout history, the name Arden has been associated with natural beauty, nobility, and literary heritage. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its connection to the English countryside and the cultural significance it has gained through literary works and historical figures.

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 Arden was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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