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30k

First Name Holden in USA

35k

Last Name Holden in USA

1902

Year Most Holden's Born

30k

First Name Holden in USA

35k

Last Name Holden in USA

1902

Year Most Holden's Born

76.83%

Holden's are White

Origin

The name 'Holden' has English origins, deriving from an Old English place name meaning 'hollow valley' or 'deep valley'. Its earliest known language roots trace back to Anglo-Saxon England, where it was used to denote geographical locations. Historically, it was a surname before becoming popular as a given name in the 20th century.

Meaning

'Holden' traditionally symbolizes 'from the hollow valley', reflecting a connection to nature and the landscape. Over time, the name has also come to be associated with qualities such as strength and resilience, influenced by cultural representations in literature and media.

Modern Usage and Variations

'Holden' has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and Australia. Variations include 'Holden' as a surname, and common nicknames are 'Holt' or 'Hodie'. The name's modern appeal is often linked to its literary connections and a trend towards classic names.

History and Culture

One of the most notable cultural references to 'Holden' is Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of J.D. Salinger's novel 'The Catcher in the Rye'. This character has become emblematic of teenage angst and rebellion, significantly shaping the perceptions of the name since the book's publication in 1951. Additionally, the name has been used in various films and media, further embedding it in popular culture.

Fun facts

The name Holden has gained significant popularity in Australia, partly due to the Holden car brand.
Holden is used in various cultures, sometimes with different pronunciations or slight variations.
The name is often associated with characters that embody a sense of independence and non-conformity.
Holden was primarily a surname before it became a popular first name in the 20th century.
In the 1950s, following the publication of 'The Catcher in the Rye', the name Holden surged in popularity.

Gender

Origin

Meaning

Modern Usage and Variations

History and Culture

Fun Facts

The name Holden has gained significant popularity in Australia, partly due to the Holden car brand.
Holden is used in various cultures, sometimes with different pronunciations or slight variations.
The name is often associated with characters that embody a sense of independence and non-conformity.
Holden was primarily a surname before it became a popular first name in the 20th century.
In the 1950s, following the publication of 'The Catcher in the Rye', the name Holden surged in popularity.

Gender

Name Holden popularity in US:

Ethnicity Distribution:

Ethnicity

Percentage

Entire U.S.

White

76.83%

64.26%

African American

17.62%

11.96%

Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander

0.54%

4.85%

American Indian and Alaska Native

0.8%

0.69%

Two or More Ethnicities

2.1%

1.76%

Hispanic or Latino

2.11%

16.26%

Notable Persons

Holden Caulfield

Holden Caulfield is the protagonist of J.D. Salinger's novel 'The Catcher in the Rye'. He is a teenager who is disenchanted with the world around him and struggles with the transition from adolescence to adulthood. His narrative voice and themes of alienation and identity have made him an iconic figure in American literature.

Holden Chow

Holden Chow is a notable figure in the field of technology and entrepreneurship, known for his innovative contributions to software development and startup culture. He has founded several successful tech companies and is recognized for his leadership and vision in the tech community.

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Holden Thorp

Holden Thorp is an American academic and administrator, currently serving as the Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is known for his work in higher education policy and his commitment to research and innovation in the academic community.

Holden Snyder

Holden Snyder is a prominent figure in the field of environmental science, recognized for his research on climate change and sustainable practices. He has published numerous papers and has been a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and policy reform.