The given name Holden has its origins in the Old English language, with roots tracing back to the 7th century AD. It is derived from the elements "holh" meaning "hollow" or "deep" and "denu" meaning "valley." Thus, the name Holden is believed to have referred to someone who lived in a deep valley or hollow.

Holden was initially used as a surname in regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire in England, where it was often spelled as "Holden" or variations like "Holdene" and "Holdyn." Over time, it transitioned into a masculine given name, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Holden can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of landowners and properties in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name appears as a surname in various entries, indicating its presence during the Norman era.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Holden. One of the earliest was Holden the Rhymer, a 13th-century Scottish poet and prophet whose real name was Thomas Learmont. Another prominent bearer was Holden Furber (1635-1689), an English clergyman and author who served as the Master of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

In the 18th century, Holden Parker (1737-1812) was a British naval officer and explorer who commanded several voyages to the South Pacific and discovered several islands. During the American Revolutionary War, Holden Munson (1752-1834) served as a colonel in the Continental Army and later became a member of the United States House of Representatives.

Moving into the 19th century, Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of J.D. Salinger's iconic novel "The Catcher in the Rye" published in 1951, helped popularize the name. Another notable figure was Holden Roberto (1923-2007), a prominent Angolan nationalist and political leader who played a significant role in Angola's struggle for independence from Portugal.

These individuals, spanning various eras and fields, have contributed to the rich history and legacy of the given name Holden, which continues to be used today, albeit less commonly than in the past.