Name Detail
Holden is an English given name that comes from a surname meaning "deep valley" in Old English. The most well-known use of Holden as a given name is in J. D. Salinger's 1951 novel The Catcher in the Rye, in which the protagonist bears the name Holden Caulfield. In the US, Holden began rising in use in 1986 after Holden Snyder became a character on the soap opera As the World Turns.
deep valley
A boy name with 2 syllables. Currently considered rare.
Explore how the popularity of Holden has changed over the last two decades.
Holden is an English surname and given name meaning "deep valley." It was popularized in the 20th century, largely due to J.D. Salinger's iconic novel, The Catcher in the Rye, featuring the protagonist Holden Caulfield. This association has given the name a literary and somewhat rebellious connotation.
Holden Caulfield, Holden McGroarty, Holden Gaudreau
Holdy
Deep dive into history & etymology
