Shelden is an uncommon male given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'scylfdene', which means "shield people". This name was originally used to denote someone who was shield-bearer, or a person who bore a shield in battle.
The name Shelden is believed to have originated as a surname before being adopted as a given name. It is thought to have been borne by a family that lived near shields or who were involved in the manufacture of shields. The name may also have been associated with the Viking influence on English culture during the Middle Ages, as shield bearers were common among Viking warriors.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Shelden. One of the most famous was Sir John Shelden, a 14th-century knight who fought in the Hundred Years' War against France. Today, the name Shelden is still quite rare but can be found in various parts of the English-speaking world.
In terms of popularity, Shelden has never been a common name. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it has never ranked among the top 1000 most popular boy names since records began in the year 1879. This rarity can make the name Shelden appealing to parents who wish for their child to have an uncommon and unique name.
Overall, Shelden is a distinctive male given name with an intriguing history rooted in Old English language and culture. Its meaning as "shield people" adds a layer of strength and protection, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a meaningful name for their son. Despite its rarity, the name Shelden remains a timeless option with a rich historical background.
The name Shelden has seen varied popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The statistics show that it was consistently used throughout this period, with no significant gaps in its usage.
The name first appeared on record in the year 1973, with five births registered that year. This number remained consistent for several years, with five births also recorded in 1983 and again in 1988 and 1989. It began to increase gradually from 1991 onwards, reaching a peak of 18 births in the year 1998.
This trend continued into the new millennium, with 17 births recorded in the year 2000. However, there was a slight decline after this, with only nine births registered in 2001 and eleven in 2002. Nevertheless, it regained its popularity shortly afterwards, with fifteen births in 2003 and thirteen in both 2004 and 2005.
The name Shelden then experienced a period of lower popularity from 2006 onwards, with fewer than ten births recorded each year until 2018. Despite this decline, it is encouraging to note that the name has still been used consistently over these years, demonstrating its enduring appeal among parents in the United States.
In total, there have been 275 births registered for the name Shelden in the United States since 1973. This indicates a steady level of popularity for the name over time, suggesting that it is likely to continue being chosen by parents in future years.