The name Linden is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word "lind" or "linta," meaning "lime tree" or "linden tree." Its roots can be traced back to the early medieval period in central Europe.

The linden tree held significant cultural and mythological importance for various Germanic tribes, who revered it as a sacred tree associated with fertility, love, and protection. In ancient Germanic folklore, the linden was believed to possess magical properties and was often used in rituals and ceremonies.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Linden can be found in the Nibelungenlied, a renowned German epic poem from the 13th century. In this work, Linden appears as a character's name, indicating its usage during that era.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Linden. One such figure is Linden Lane (1905-1963), an American actress and singer who appeared in various Broadway productions and films during the 1930s and 1940s.

Another prominent individual named Linden was Linden Frederic (1858-1945), an American businessman and politician who served as the 27th Governor of Missouri from 1909 to 1913.

In the literary world, Linden Macintyre (born 1943) is a Canadian journalist and novelist known for his works exploring social and political issues, including the Giller Prize-winning novel "The Bishop's Man."

The name Linden has also been associated with the arts, as exemplified by Linden Wilkinson (1918-2005), an American painter and sculptor renowned for his abstract expressionist works.

Lastly, Linden Berkman (born 1935) is an American mathematician and computer scientist who made significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence, particularly in the areas of knowledge representation and reasoning.

While the name Linden has its roots in ancient Germanic culture, it has transcended its origins and gained popularity across various regions and time periods, with individuals bearing this name leaving their mark in diverse fields throughout history.