Selden is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are intertwined with the town of Selden in Essex County, New York.
The town itself was named after Thomas Selden, an early settler who arrived in the area in the late 18th century. Thomas Selden was a farmer and landowner who played a significant role in the development of the region. Over time, the name "Selden" became associated with the town and its inhabitants.
As a given name, Selden is believed to have been used infrequently until recent times. It may have been chosen for its unique sound or perhaps as a way to honor the historical figure Thomas Selden or his descendants.
In terms of meaning, there is no specific definition attached to the name Selden. However, it can be loosely interpreted as "from the hollow valley" due to its association with the town's geography. The name Selden may evoke images of rural landscapes and small-town charm, reflecting its origins in upstate New York.
Today, Selden remains a rare but notable given name. While it may not have the widespread popularity of some other names, those who bear the name Selden can take pride in their unique moniker's rich history and association with an important historical figure.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Selden was quite popular in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, with a total of 373 births recorded between 1911 and 1978.
The name's popularity seemed to fluctuate over time. It peaked in 1917 with 15 births, then again in 1943 with another 12 births. However, there were also years when the name was not chosen at all for newborns. For instance, between 1945 and 1950, no babies named Selden were recorded.
Despite these fluctuations, the name remained relatively consistent throughout most of its peak popularity period, with an average of about 7 births per year from 1911 to 1938. After this period, there was a notable decline in the number of newborns given the name Selden.
It's interesting to note that while the name Selden may not have been as common in recent years (with no births recorded since 1978), it still holds historical significance due to its popularity during the early and mid-20th century.