Alden

/ˈɔːldən/ noun

Definition

A male given name of English origin, meaning 'old friend' or 'old wise one.'

Etymology

From Old English 'ald' or 'eald' meaning 'old,' combined with 'wine' meaning 'friend,' making it 'old friend.' The name reflects Germanic origins and became more common in modern times as a revival of older naming traditions.

Kelly Says

Alden is historically famous as a Pilgrim name—John Alden was one of the Mayflower passengers, and his romance with Priscilla Mullins inspired Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, making the name part of American folklore. Many people know 'Alden' from literature without realizing it's a personal name!

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