Auden

Pronunciation: [ AWD-uhn ]

Girl Name #2,508 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A literary name meaning 'old friend,' steeped in poetry

English American

Literary Vintage Unique Sophisticated Modern

Meaning & Origin

"old friend"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

"noble strength (alternate etymology)"

Origin: Germanic

Language: English

The Story of Auden

Auden is an English surname-turned-given name, likely derived from the Old English elements 'eald' (old) and 'wine' (friend), meaning 'old friend.' It is most famously associated with W.H. Auden (1907-1973), the Anglo-American poet considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. Its use as a girl's name is a contemporary trend in literary-minded families.

Auden has risen steadily as a girl's name in the United States since the 2010s, driven by the trend for surname-style names and the literary cachet of the W.H. Auden association. Parents seeking something intellectual yet gentle have embraced it.

W.H. Auden's poetry — including 'Funeral Blues' (famously recited in Four Weddings and a Funeral) and 'September 1, 1939' — cemented his name in the literary canon. Choosing Auden for a child signals a love of language and poetry.

Fun Facts

W.H. Auden is one of only a few poets whose work has appeared on The Simpsons
The poem 'Funeral Blues' by W.H. Auden has been recited at many notable funerals, including Princess Diana's

Auden in Other Languages

French Auden

German Auden

English Auden

Famous People Named Auden

W.H. Auden

Writer

1907

Anglo-American poet widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century

Auden (One Tree Hill) Fictional

Other

Character in the novel and TV adaptation of 'Along for the Ride' by Sarah Dessen

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,508
Total SSA Count: 71
Cultural Origins: English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Audie Denny

Pairs Well With

Auden Rose Auden Claire Auden Mae Auden Jane Auden Pearl Auden Wren Auden Skye

Sibling Names

Emrys Atticus Cleo Sylvie Leif Piper Declan

Also a Boy Name

Auden is also used as a boy name, ranked #1900.

View Auden as a boy name →

Similar Names

Harris Alden Tilden Aden Hardin Hayden Arden Ethan

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Auden

What does the name Auden mean?

"old friend" (from Old English). "noble strength (alternate etymology)" (from Germanic). Auden is an English surname-turned-given name, likely derived from the Old English elements 'eald' (old) and 'wine' (friend), meaning 'old friend.' It is most famously associated with W.H. Auden (1907-1973), the Anglo-American poet considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. Its use as a girl's name is a contemporary trend in literary-minded families.

What is the origin of the name Auden?

Auden has Old English, Germanic, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "old friend". In Germanic, it means "noble strength (alternate etymology)".

Is Auden a boy or girl name?

Auden is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2508. As a boy name, it is ranked #1900. 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 #2508 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Auden?

Common nicknames for Auden include Audie and Denny.

What are good middle names for Auden?

Popular middle name pairings include Auden Rose, Auden Claire, Auden Mae, Auden Jane, Auden Pearl, Auden Wren, and Auden Skye.

What are good sibling names for Auden?

Names that pair well with Auden as siblings include Emrys, Atticus, Cleo, Sylvie, Leif, Piper, and Declan.

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 #2508 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Auden

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

Auden is currently ranked #2,508 in popularity for girl 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 Audie and Denny. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.