Alder
2025 SSA
2025 SSA
About Alder
The surname-style Alden has been on the rise in the US in recent years, while tree-inspired Rowan is a top choice. Combine this with the popularity of names ending in -er such as Carter and Parker and it makes sense why Alder is now 4 times as popular as it was a decade ago. Given to 125 boys in a recent year, it could be a modern way to honor an "Al".
Alder for boys#1402 US
Deriving from an old English surname or from the alder tree, whose wood is used to make electric guitars, Alder can mean "old" if considered a variation on the Germanic alter or "red, brown" when you follow the root of the tree name.
Sometimes said to symbolise regeneration, resurrection, and life thanks to the ability of the alder tree to regrow quickly, thrive in inhospitable land, and bleed red sap, Alder is a name to watch out for.
Alder for girls#10140 US
Deriving from an old English surname or from the alder tree, whose wood is used to make electric guitars, Alder can mean "old" if considered a variation on the Germanic alter or "red, brown" when you follow the root of the tree name.
Sometimes said to symbolise regeneration, resurrection, and life thanks to the ability of the alder tree to regrow quickly, thrive in inhospitable land, and bleed red sap, Alder is a name on the rise. Predominantly used for boys, it has been given to a small handful of girls too, thanks to its nature connection and its similarity in style or sound to the likes of Willow, Parker and Alma.
Pronounced AHL-der.
As of October 2026, Alder ranked #1402 in US births in 2025 SSA.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · boys | Births · boys | US rank · girls | Births · girls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #2,663 | 45 | — | 0 |
| 2015 | #3,152 | 36 | — | 0 |
| 2016 | #1,938 | 75 | — | 0 |
| 2017 | #2,270 | 58 | — | 0 |
| 2018 | #2,045 | 70 | — | 0 |
| 2019 | #1,698 | 93 | — | 0 |
| 2020 | #1,743 | 88 | — | 0 |
| 2021 | #1,529 | 115 | — | 0 |
| 2022 | #1,447 | 125 | — | 0 |
| 2023 | #1,464 | 123 | — | 0 |
| 2024 | #1,421 | 129 | — | 0 |
| 2025 | #1,402 | 130 | — | 0 |
World rankings
Alder for boys
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Alder in pop culture
- AlderBoy
Champion of the Unova region in Pokemon Black and White
- AlderBoy
a mender from Ursula le Guin's Earthsea series (main character in the final book)
- General Sarah AlderBoy
leader of the American witch military in Motherland: Fort Salem