Walden
Walden is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Valley of the Britons or wooded valley.
Origin and history
Walden originates as an Old English surname derived from place names meaning valley of the Britons or wooded valley. It is famously associated with Henry David Thoreau's book Walden and Walden Pond in Massachusetts. In the United States, it remains a rare but distinct classic choice for boys.
Popularity in the United States
1,527 babies in the United States have been named Walden since 1880. It ranks #3215 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1686.
States where it is most popular
- CA (47 %)
- NY (13.3 %)
- PA (13.3 %)
- KY (12 %)
- CO (7.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 5 |
| 1910-1920 | 107 |
| 1920-1930 | 183 |
| 1930-1940 | 136 |
| 1940-1950 | 116 |
| 1950-1960 | 113 |
| 1960-1970 | 77 |
| 1970-1980 | 56 |
| 1980-1990 | 42 |
| 1990-2000 | 18 |
| 2000-2010 | 83 |
| 2010-2019 | 350 |
| 2020-2029 | 241 |
Famous people named Walden
- Walden Bello: Academic, Sociologist
Fun facts
- The name is closely tied to Henry David Thoreau's 1854 book Walden, which details his life near Walden Pond.
- It originated as an Old English habitational surname for someone living near a specific valley.