Holden is a gender-neutral name of Old English origin, meaning "hollow valley." Originally a surname derived from place names, it gained popularity with J.D. Salinger's character Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye." The name has evolved over time, becoming a symbol of teenage angst and rebellion. Holden is important because it represents a timeless and universal theme of alienation and self-discovery.
