The name Elden is of Old English origin, derived from the words "eld" meaning "age" or "old age" and "en" meaning "one." Thus, the literal translation of the name Elden is "the old one" or "the aged one." The name dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, around the 5th to 11th centuries AD.

Elden was a relatively common name among the Anglo-Saxons, particularly in the regions of Wessex and Mercia. It was often used to denote respect for elders or those with wisdom and experience. The name can be found in some ancient Anglo-Saxon records and chronicles, although it is not mentioned in any major religious texts or scriptures.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Elden dates back to the 8th century, when an Anglo-Saxon nobleman named Elden of Mercia was mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Another notable figure was Elden the Wise, a scholar and monk who lived in the 10th century and was known for his extensive knowledge of herbs and medicinal plants.

Throughout history, there have been several other notable individuals with the name Elden. Elden of Lindisfarne (c. 650 - 700 AD) was a renowned Anglo-Saxon monk and scholar who contributed to the spread of Christianity in Northumbria. Elden the Scribe (c. 980 - 1040 AD) was a skilled calligrapher and illuminator of manuscripts in the Benedictine monastery of Bury St. Edmunds.

In the 12th century, Elden of Winchcombe (c. 1120 - 1190) was a renowned architect and stonemason who worked on several notable churches and abbeys in England, including Gloucester Cathedral. Elden Woodward (1561 - 1625) was an English writer and poet who gained some recognition during the Renaissance period for his satirical works.

Another notable figure was Elden Halliwell (1785 - 1856), a British antiquarian and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of early English literature and language. He is particularly known for his work on the plays of William Shakespeare and his efforts in preserving ancient manuscripts and documents.