alden

Alden is a name used as both a given name and a surname, and it also designates several places in the United States. The origin is English, derived from Old English elements. The etymology is not fixed, but it is commonly associated with meanings such as “old friend” or “wise protector,” based on the same roots found in other English names. As a given name, Alden is masculine and has appeared in English-speaking countries since at least the colonial era; in modern times it has seen periodic revival as a standalone name.

Notable people with the given name include Captain John Alden (1599–1687), a passenger on the Mayflower and a figure in early American colonial history. In contemporary culture, Alden Ehrenreich (born 1989) is an American actor known for roles in film and television.

As a surname, Alden is found in English-speaking regions and has been borne by various individuals in history and modern times; it remains in use, though less common today than in earlier periods. Places named Alden exist in the United States, including Alden, New York, among others.