Dryden Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Dryden has its origins in Old English, meaning 'dry valley'. It evolved from 'Dryge-denu' in Old English to its current form in Modern English. The name is associated with literary tradition, particularly through the works of John Dryden. It does not have biblical relevance, and gained popularity in the 17th century. Variants include Driden and Drydon, and it is viewed as a traditional name today.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Dryden"
Pronunciation
/ˈdraɪdən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The surname Dryden is believed to have originated from a geographical location, specifically derived from the Old English words 'dryge' meaning 'dry' and 'denu' meaning 'valley'. This suggests a meaning related to a dry valley or a valley located in a dry area.
Meaning
dry valley
Language Evolution
Old English: Dryge-denu, Middle English: Dryden, Modern English: Dryden
Historical Usage
The name Dryden saw increased popularity in the 17th century, particularly due to the fame of the poet John Dryden, who was a significant literary figure of the time.
Variants & Derivatives
Driden, Drydon
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Dryden is often associated with literary heritage due to its connection to John Dryden and is generally perceived as a traditional and distinguished name.
Famous People
John Dryden (1631-1700), English poet and playwright, Eugene Dryden, American writer
📊 Dryden Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Dryden Name Visualizations
✨ Dryden Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 31 peak births in 2007
Geographic Spread
Popular across 2 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 3 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Dryden"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Dryden"
"Dryden" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8930th of 16616 | 44 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4419th of 24088 | 313 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 8584th of 23106 | 99 |
Regional Popularity of "Dryden" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
65.06% 4758th/7313 |
67.40% 5030th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
70.54% 4812th/6822 |
- |
Regional Popularity of "Dryden" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Dryden"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Dryden" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Dryden" in the United States
The name Dryden is most popular in Texas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Dryden has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Dryden' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8930th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4419th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 8584th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Dryden' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.