Holden
How to say it: HOHL-dun · /ˈhoʊldən/
From an Old English place name meaning 'deep valley'; widely associated with Holden Caulfield from 'The Catcher in the Rye'.
Holden was the 308th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 1,140 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are down about 9% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #387 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #308 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 1,140 |
| Share of births | 1 in 2,908 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | −9% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #387 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Holden has risen steadily to make the 2020s its peak period so far. A small pullback looks probable in the near term.
What goes with it
Breathy and grounded over two steady beats, Holden carries a bookish undertone. Hudson reflects a similar rugged taste, with Holdy as a playful short form.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Holden is about 1 in 122.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English.
Good to know
- Holden Caulfield, narrator of The Catcher in the Rye
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