boys name - Alden

[tasmaniandevilchaser]

I'd never heard of this name before but saw it in a baby name book a while ago before we knew we were having a DS. There's something I quite like about it, a bit unusual especially as we have quite a common surname. But I had forgotten about it and then last night it was in my dream (a bit woooo sorry!) and it's brought it up again.

Is it too unusual, will he be constantly asked how to pronounce it and spell it? (it's "all - den") Does that even matter?

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Never heard it before - is it a real name? Must admit, I rather like it!

[tasmaniandevilchaser]

yes it's a real name!! (I'm laughing because I'm not keen on made up names!) Old English, means old friend

[VBisme]

I'd think it was a mis-spelling I'd Aiden

[VBisme]

Of (stoopid iPhone )

[TenthMuse]

I quite like it. Prefer Auden, though - more distinctive spelling, and nice association with the poet.

[weegiemum]

Not sure about it.

I have an (almost 11) Aidan (yes that's the right spelling) and even on your thread title I thought that's what you meant.

It's nice, but might be so unusual it would give him problems - my lovely Aidan gets Aiden (eww) and Aden often. And it was top-20 in 2002!

[bigbluebump]

Alden is a great name - classic, masculine, easy to spell/pronounce and not overused! Great choice!

(I'm not so keen on Aiden for some reason)

[mybootsaremuddy]

I love it. Its Ds 4s 2nd MN after DHs grandfather. There ahave been several Alden's in DHs family tree.

Both the doctor and anesthetist commented on his middle name when he was in hospital recently doc said what a lovely old name it was. The anesthetist said ''Ooh thats not heard that before its realy cool. Can I add it to my list?'' Saying that she and her DH were working on a list of names for their baby due in April.

[forgetmenots]

I thought it said Aiden too.

It's not bad, I think I prefer Arden or Alfred, even Asher?

[birdofthenorth]

Prefer Auden, live this name

[ladymia]

I read this as Aiden too and could not for the life of me work out how you had not heard of it before as it's such a popular name. I am pretty sure Top 10? :)

[tasmaniandevilchaser]

Thanks everyone, hadn't thought of the Alden/Aidan confusion. Also easy to mix up with Auden. I had a great uncle Alfred (Alfie) who I loved, but the name is very very popular round here so not so sure about that one.

DH isn't convinced but for me it's still on the list. I like the old English-ness of it.
Boys' names are so hard! Finding girls's name is much easier for us.

[forgetmenots]

Hi Tasmanian - this is coming from someone with exclusively Scottish and Irish family and heritage but here's names I love and wouldn't use because they're very English to me, even those of different origin (our choices are all Celtic!)

Spencer
Albert
Alfred
Stanley
Arthur
George
Henry
William
Ernest
Frederick
Oliver
Laurence
Phillip
Edward

[bootsycollins]

Alden, sounds lovely and love the meaning too.

I wouldn't worry about the Alden/Aiden confusion it's not a difficult to pronounce or spell name.