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

Popularity of Golden by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Golden is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 61% of people named Golden being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 67 male babies and 54 female babies born with the name Golden.

The history of the first name Golden

The given name Golden traces its origins to the English language, derived from the word "gold," which refers to the precious metal known for its distinctive yellow color and luster. This name likely emerged during the Middle English period, from the 12th to the 15th century, when the word "gold" took its modern form.

The name Golden is believed to have been bestowed upon individuals to symbolize wealth, prosperity, and the desire for a life filled with abundance and success. In some cases, it may have been associated with golden-haired infants, whose hair color was seen as a sign of beauty and desirability.

While there are no direct references to the name Golden in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is possible that it was inspired by the symbolic significance of gold in various cultures throughout history. For instance, in ancient Egyptian mythology, gold was associated with the sun god Ra, representing eternal life and divinity.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Golden was Golden Dicky (c. 1598-1638), an English actor and comedian known for his performances in plays by William Shakespeare and other notable playwrights of the time.

Another notable figure was Golden Hinman (1808-1875), an American businessman and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the development of the city of Binghamton, New York. He was instrumental in establishing several educational institutions and public works projects.

In the literary world, Golden Richards (1835-1891) was a British author and playwright who wrote several successful plays and novels during the Victorian era, including the popular work "The Maid of Honour."

The name Golden also found its way into the realm of sports, with Golden Graham (1920-1983), an American professional basketball player who played for several teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA) during the 1940s and 1950s.

More recently, Golden Tate (born 1988) is an American football wide receiver who has played for various teams in the National Football League (NFL), including the Seattle Seahawks and the Detroit Lions, earning recognition for his exceptional catching abilities.

These are just a few examples of individuals who carried the name Golden throughout history, showcasing its enduring presence and the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of those who bore this distinctive moniker.

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

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

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