The name Auden is of English origin and has a rich history in literature. It is derived from the surname Auden, which was originally an occupational name for someone who worked with oats or barley. The name was popularized by the famous English poet W.H. Auden, whose full name was Wystan Hugh Auden.
The meaning of the name Auden is not explicitly clear as it originated from an occupational surname rather than a given name. However, some sources suggest that it could be associated with the Old English word "æðen," which means "open" or "clear." Regardless of its exact meaning, the name Auden has gained popularity in recent years due to its literary associations and unique sound.
Throughout history, the name Auden has been carried by many notable individuals besides W.H. Auden himself. For example, Auden was also the middle name of the famous American poet Elizabeth Bishop. Additionally, several characters in literature have borne the name Auden, further contributing to its association with the arts.
In modern times, Auden is a unisex given name that has gained popularity in English-speaking countries. It is often chosen for its unique sound and literary associations, as well as its short and simple spelling. Despite its roots as an occupational surname, the name Auden has evolved into a distinctive given name with its own history and significance.
The name Auden has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the mid-1970s, it was quite rare, with only six babies named Auden each year from 1975 to 1976. However, starting in the early 1990s, there was a notable uptick in its usage, with twelve births recorded in both 1993 and 1994.
This upward trend continued throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching a significant milestone in 2003 when seventy-two babies were named Auden. This marked a substantial increase from previous years, indicating that the name was beginning to gain traction among parents-to-be.
The popularity of the name Auden continued to rise steadily throughout the 2000s and 2010s, reaching an all-time high in recent years. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were a remarkable 128 births registered for boys named Auden, making it one of the most popular names that year.
In total, between 1975 and 2023, there have been 1,711 babies named Auden born in the United States. This demonstrates the growing appeal of this unique name over time, as it has become increasingly favored by parents looking for distinctive yet appealing options for their newborn sons.