Aspen

♀ Girl

Pronounced AS-pen /ˈæs.pən/High

Meaning: Aspen tree; from Old English æspe, the trembling poplar treeHigh

In 30 seconds: A crisp nature name after the aspen tree — the gracefully trembling poplar of mountain forests. It also evokes the Colorado ski resort, giving it both natural elegance and luxury associations.

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Origin HighOld English

MeaningAspen tree; from Old English æspe, the trembling poplar tree

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 14,070

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Aspen comes from the Old English æspe, referring to the aspen or trembling poplar tree (Populus tremula), known for its leaves that quiver in the slightest breeze. As a given name, Aspen is a modern American coinage, first appearing in the latter half of the 20th century as part of the nature-name trend.

Aspen entered the U.S. top 1000 girls' names in the 1990s and has grown steadily since. It benefits from associations with the upscale Colorado ski resort as well as with the broader nature and outdoor aesthetic. It is predominantly used as a girls' name but occasionally appears for boys.

Did you know? Aspen trees are famous for their shimmering, trembling leaves — in Old English the name meant 'quaking tree,' and the aspens in Colorado inspired the founding of the famous ski resort in 1947.

Variations

Aspyn

Nicknames

AspPenny

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Aspen…

Willow— graceful tree name equally popular for girls

Ivy— climbing plant name with the same breezy natural charm

Avery— gender-neutral nature-adjacent name equally popular for girls

Frequently Asked

What does the name Aspen mean?

Aspen refers to the aspen tree, known for its trembling leaves, from Old English æspe.

How do you pronounce Aspen?

Aspen is pronounced AS-pen (/ˈæs.pən/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Aspen a boy or girl name?

Aspen is predominantly used as a girl's name in the U.S., though it occasionally appears for boys.

How popular is Aspen?

Aspen has been rising in the U.S. girls' charts since the 1990s and is now in the top 300.