Arden

Before it became a gender-neutral first name, Arden described the setting of several towns, villages, and woodlands. With English origins, Arden derives from an unknown Celtic word meaning "high," so it can be assumed that the Ardens of times past were all located on a height! When Old English elements like denu and worthign are added to the mix, Arden earns translations like "high valley" and "high settlement." Arden may also arise from the elements earn, meaning "eagle," and denu, meaning "valley," creating yet another high-flying definition, "eagle valley."

One of Arden's claims to fame is its ties to William Shakespeare's play As You Like It, which is set in the famed Forest of Arden. Within Shakespeare's five-act comedy, Arden is the home to compelling characters, the most memorable being the downcast traveler Jaques, who famously declares, "all the world's a stage." The Bump community member MrsMincks is a big admirer of Arden's Shakespearean connections, sharing, "I'm a sucker for the name Arden, but perhaps that's because I'm a Shakespearean actor and I was just in 'As You Like It.' I love it for a name. It's simple and unique. It also seems like one that would grow with a child." Soon, the stage will be set for your Arden's arrival!