Bolden

“Initially a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, Bolden signifies bravery or fearlessness”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1103US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

61All-time births

📅 Since 189300.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Bolden

BOH·ldun

/ˈboʊ.ldən/ · stress on BOH · 2 syllables

“Initially a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, Bolden signifies bravery or fearlessness”

American origin · Boy name

What does Bolden mean and where does it come from?

Initially a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, Bolden signifies bravery or fearlessness. It has transitioned into a first name most recently in the United States. Notable figures with the surname Bolden include Charles Bolden, an NASA astronaut and administrator. The use of Bolden as a first name aligns

Cultural significance

Bolden has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #1026 in 1893 — currently #1103 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Bolden?

Bolden works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Bolden Grace

How popular is Bolden right now?

Holding steady — currently #1103 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1103 · Top 0.81%

1915

1935

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1103	1,097	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1108	1,077	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1113	1,047	▲ up 11009 · +20840% births
2015	#12122	5	▼ down 8386
1935	#3736	5	▲ up 170
1915	#3906	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Bolden

Best Year2023Rank #1103

Peak Count1,097

Average Rank#3848

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20236 years

The story of Bolden

Bolden has been a beloved American name for over 131 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1893. With 61 total births recorded, Bolden remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3906 in 1915 to #1103 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Bolden in 1893:

John William James George Charles

Bolden by decade

Bolden peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	6
1910s	5
1920s	13
1930s	11
1940s	5
1950s	5
2010s ★	16

💎Bolden has only 61 total recorded births since 1893 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Bolden?

Common

BolBoOlden

What names sound and feel like Bolden?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bolden also consider these

Boyden

England · Old English

Olden

American · From the old

English · valley with a

Kolden

American · Derived from the

Bolen

Norse · A Norse name

Common questions about the name Bolden

What does the name Bolden mean?

Bolden means "English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Bolden?

Bolden is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Bolden?

Bolden originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Bolden?

Bolden is a two-syllable name pronounced B OW1 L D AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Bolden a common or rare name?

Bolden is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.