Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Alder

Alder

β™‚ Boy

Pronounced AHL-der /ΛˆΙ”Λl.dΙ™r/Low

Meaning: Alder tree, the riverside treeLow

In 30 seconds: Alder is an Old English nature name meaning the alder tree, a water-loving tree that grows along riverbanks. As a given name it evokes the natural world and carries the clean earthy quality of tree names.
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Origin LowEnglish, Old English
MeaningAlder tree, the riverside tree
U.S. rank (2024)#1421 β†— Rising
2024 U.S. births129 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 1,232

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 202419152024

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

History & Origin

Alder derives from Old English alor meaning the alder tree (Alnus). The alder is a deciduous tree that grows near water. As a given name it belongs to the modern tree-name tradition.

Alder is a rare and distinctive name in the United States, part of the broader nature-naming trend.

Did you know? The alder tree has been associated with magic and protection in Celtic folklore β€” its red-stained wood was thought to resist water, making it valuable for building and its association with rivers and bridges made it a tree of crossing between worlds. Alder carries this ancient woodland magic.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: alder

Variations

AldenAldousAlders

Nicknames

AlAld

Famous Bearers

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If you like Alder…

Ashβ€” Tree name of same Old English nature tradition
Rowanβ€” Celtic tree name of same nature feel
Cedarβ€” Tree name of same modern trend
Elmβ€” Tree name of same Old English nature tradition

Frequently Asked

What does Alder mean?

Alder tree, the riverside tree

How do you pronounce Alder?

Alder is pronounced AHL-der.

What is the origin of Alder?

Alder comes from English, Old English.

What names are similar to Alder?

Similar names include ash, rowan, cedar.