Auden

Pronunciation: [ AWD-uhn ]

Boy Name #1,900 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A poet's name for a child destined to create

English American

Literary Sophisticated Vintage Unique Elegant

Meaning & Origin

"old friend"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

"from the surname of poet W.H. Auden"

Origin: English

Language: English

The Story of Auden

Auden is an English surname derived from the Old English personal name Aldwine, meaning old friend — combining eald (old) and wine (friend). As a surname it became associated with the poet W.H. Auden, and as a given name it has been embraced by literary-minded parents who appreciate its poetic resonance and gentle sound.

Auden has risen steadily since the 2000s as parents seek literary and surname-style names. Its resemblance in sound to the popular Aiden while being distinctly less common appeals to parents who want something familiar but unique.

W.H. Auden (Wystan Hugh Auden, 1907-1973) is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, known for works including September 1, 1939 and Musée des Beaux Arts. Using his surname as a given name is a tribute to literary greatness.

Fun Facts

W.H. Auden's September 1, 1939 went viral after the 9/11 attacks as Americans sought poetry to process grief
The Old English name Aldwine from which Auden derives means old friend
Auden is used as both a boy's and increasingly as a girl's name

Auden in Other Languages

English Auden

Old English Aldwine

Famous People Named Auden

W.H. Auden

Writer

1907

British-American poet considered one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century; works include The Age of Anxi...

British-American poet considered one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century; works include The Age of Anxiety and September 1, 1939

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,900
Total SSA Count: 84
Cultural Origins: English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Aud

Pairs Well With

Auden James Auden Cole Auden Reid Auden Blake Auden Christopher Auden Thomas

Sibling Names

Holden Sylvia Emerson Sylvie Tennyson Keats

Also a Girl Name

Auden is also used as a girl name, ranked #2508.

View Auden as a girl name →

Similar Names

Homer Harris Alden Tilden Aden Golden Hardin Hollis

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Frequently Asked Questions About Auden

What does the name Auden mean?

"old friend" (from Old English). "from the surname of poet W.H. Auden" (from English). Auden is an English surname derived from the Old English personal name Aldwine, meaning old friend — combining eald (old) and wine (friend). As a surname it became associated with the poet W.H. Auden, and as a given name it has been embraced by literary-minded parents who appreciate its poetic resonance and gentle sound.

What is the origin of the name Auden?

Auden has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "old friend". In English, it means "from the surname of poet W.H. Auden".

Is Auden a boy or girl name?

Auden is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1900. As a girl name, it is ranked #2508. Auden is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Auden?

Auden is pronounced AWD-uhn.

How popular is the name Auden?

Auden is currently ranked #1900 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Auden?

Common nicknames for Auden include Aud.

What are good middle names for Auden?

Popular middle name pairings include Auden James, Auden Cole, Auden Reid, Auden Blake, Auden Christopher, and Auden Thomas.

What are good sibling names for Auden?

Names that pair well with Auden as siblings include Holden, Sylvia, Emerson, Sylvie, Tennyson, and Keats.

How many syllables does Auden have?

Auden has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Auden a common or rare name?

Auden is an uncommon name, ranked #1900 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Auden

Auden is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "old friend" in Old English .

Is Auden a boy or girl name? Auden is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,900 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,508. Auden is more commonly used as a boy name.

Auden is currently ranked #1,900 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Auden has 2 syllables and is pronounced AWD-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Auden include Aud. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.