How Many People Are Named Selden?
Complete statistics for the name Selden: rarity score, gender breakdown, age distribution, historical popularity, worldwide data, meaning and origin.
Selden is a rare Old English name rooted in words meaning "willow tree valley," giving it a beautifully pastoral feel. There are only about 69 people living in the US with this name today, meaning roughly 1 in 4,814,025 Americans share it. It's fascinating that the name peaked in 1927 with 16 births, and the average bearer is around 95 years old.
📖 Meaning & Origin
Life-path number 5 traditionally represents freedom, adventure, and adaptability. It's associated with curiosity and a dynamic spirit that thrives on change and new experiences.
🌍 Worldwide Usage
⚥ Gender Distribution
📊 Births by Age Group
Avg Cohort Age: 95All 373 recorded US births for this name, grouped by the age those individuals would be today. Not adjusted for survival, so the number living today is lower (see the living estimate above).
📈 Popularity Over Time
Peak: 1927Annual US births from SSA records · Trend: Stable
🏆 Name Scorecard
Scores 0–100 based on statistical analysis of US and worldwide name frequency
📜 Selden Through the Generations
Selden tells a compelling generational story that's almost entirely anchored in the early twentieth century. Of the 373 total births recorded in the US, a striking 99% of bearers are over 60, with just 5 people aged 30 to 60 and zero under 30. That dramatic age skew means this name hasn't appeared on birth certificates in meaningful numbers for decades. The peak year of 1927 saw 16 births, which was modest even then, and usage gradually faded from there. Today, an estimated 69 Americans carry the name, and the average age of a living Selden is roughly 95. Worldwide, it ranks #279,236 with about 852 living bearers, most of whom reside in the United States. The trend line is stable but flat, suggesting it's unlikely to see a revival anytime soon. Selden remains a classic, old-school name that evokes a bygone era, carrying a quiet dignity that doesn't demand attention but certainly earns it when discovered.
🌿 Related Names by Origin
Other names sharing Selden's Old English roots
📄 About the Name Selden
How Many People Have the Name Selden?
Based on Social Security Administration birth records and age-adjusted survival modeling, approximately 1,769 people in the United States currently share the name Selden. That works out to roughly 1 in every 187,365 Americans, placing it in the Very Rare category.
Is Selden a Common or Rare Name?
Selden is classified as Very Rare. The rarity scale runs from Very Common (shared by millions) through Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Very Rare. Understanding where a name sits helps parents gauge uniqueness, genealogists narrow down records, and individuals settle debates about their own name's distinctiveness.
What Does the Name Selden Mean?
Selden means "Willow tree valley" and comes from Old English origins. The name carries a life-path numerology number of 5.
Gender Breakdown
Of all recorded bearers of Selden in SSA data, approximately 100% are male and 0% are female.
When Was Selden Most Popular?
The name Selden reached peak popularity in 1927, with 16 babies registered that year. Current trend: Stable.
How Is This Data Calculated?
All figures are statistical estimates, not exact government headcounts. The underlying data comes from the SSA National Baby Names dataset. Full methodology is explained on the methodology page.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are named Selden?
Approximately 1,769 people named Selden live in the United States today. All-time US births on record total 1,769. That works out to roughly 1 in 187,365 Americans.
Is Selden a rare name?
Selden is classified as Very Rare in the United States. Approximately 1 in every 187,365 Americans has this name.
What does the name Selden mean?
Selden means "Willow tree valley" and comes from Old English origins.
Is Selden more male or female?
Based on SSA records, 100% of people named Selden are male and 0% are female.
When was Selden most popular?
Selden peaked in 1927 with 16 births that year. Current trend: Stable.
How accurate are these statistics?
All figures are statistical estimates based on SSA birth records and age-adjusted modeling. See the methodology page for full details.