Auden is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "Œaden," which means "little wealth" or "little prosperity." This name was once popular among the Anglo-Saxons, but it has since fallen out of common use.
The name Auden first gained notable recognition through the works of poet W.H. Auden. He was a prominent figure in the literary world during the mid-20th century and is considered one of the greatest poets of his time. His poetry often explored themes of politics, love, and philosophy, and he was known for his innovative use of language and form.
In addition to his contributions to literature, W.H. Auden also had an impact on the name's popularity. Before him, Auden was not a widely used given name. However, after his works gained prominence and critical acclaim, the name began to appear more frequently in birth records. Today, while still relatively uncommon, Auden is recognized as a name with literary roots and a unique historical significance.
In recent years, there has been some renewed interest in the name Auden due to its use by notable public figures. For example, musician Sufjan Stevens named his son Auden in 2012. This further contributes to the growing awareness and appreciation of this distinctive English name.
Overall, Auden is a name with a rich history and literary heritage. Its unique meaning and origin make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
The name Auden has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between the years 2000 and 2023, there were a total of 863 births registered with the first name Auden.
The earliest year on record for this name is 2000, with only six newborns being named Auden that year. However, it wasn't long before the number of babies given this name began to rise steadily. By 2005, there were 17 births, and two years later in 2007, the count had doubled to 24.
The years 2009 and 2013 marked significant milestones for the name Auden with 39 and 41 births respectively. However, it wasn't until 2015 that the number of newborns named Auden reached its peak so far, with a total of 63 babies being given this name.
After a brief dip in popularity between 2016 and 2017, the name Auden began to rise again. In 2018, there were 62 births, followed by 59 in 2019 and 57 in 2020. The most recent year on record is 2023, with a notable increase of 97 babies named Auden.
Overall, these statistics show that while the name Auden may have started off slowly, it has since gained significant traction and become increasingly popular over time in the United States.