c. 1200, from with- "back, away" (see with) + holden "to hold" (see hold (v.)); probably a loan-translation of Latin retinere "to withhold." Related: Withheld; withholding. Past participle form withholden was still used 19c.
"A name given to: a hypothetical (male) person, or one whose real name is unknown or withheld", Late 16th cent. From the male forename Richard + the surname Roe.