Holden
Meaning of Holden
The name Holden is a male given name of English origin, meaning "hollow valley" or "deep valley." Pronounced as HOHL-den, the name has steadily gained popularity in the United States over the years. One of its most notable associations is with the character Holden Caulfield from J.D. Salinger's classic novel "The Catcher in the Rye," which has cemented its place in literary history. The name evokes a sense of depth and introspection, much like its famous namesake. While it can be spelled as Halden, Holden remains the more recognized and preferred spelling. In recent years, it has consistently ranked within the top 300 names for newborn boys in the United States, reflecting its enduring appeal among parents seeking a name that is both classic and distinctive.
Pronunciation
British English
- Pronunced as HOHL-den (/ˈhəʊldən/)
American English
- Pronunced as HOHL-den (/ˈhoʊldən/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Holden
| Herbert Holden Thorp is an American chemist, professor, and entrepreneur known for his leadership as the chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his contributions to the field of chemistry. |
| Holden Karnofsky is an American nonprofit executive, co-founder of GiveWell, and Director of AI Strategy at Open Philanthropy. |
| Holden Sheppard is a highly acclaimed author from Western Australia, known for his award-winning young adult novel, Invisible Boys, which explores themes of masculinity, sexuality, and mental health. |
