Hayden

Updated: September 17, 2021 by MomsWhoThink Staff

The name Hayden is one of the unisex baby names that once was a surname in old England. The name was originally intended for boys as a first name, but with the introduction of female celebrities with the name, it transitioned to a unisex name. Hayden was popularized especially in the 1990s as it was part of the group of names that ended in the “-aden” sound.

Meaning of the name Hayden:

English: fire (boys), heather-grown hill (girls), hay valley

Origin of the name Hayden:

The baby name Hayden originated as a surname in areas that were valleys that were surrounded by hills of hay. This gave the meaning of “hay valley.” The name soon became popularized to be used for boys rarely, but in more modern times, especially with actress Hayden Panettiere, the name is also used for females.

Symbolism of the name Hayden:

The baby name Hayden is broken down into the old English words “heg” and “denu.” “Heg” means “hay” in modern English and “denu” means valley. This seems to be the most common meaning associated with the baby name.

Style of the name Hayden:

Traditional

Gender of the name Hayden:

Both boys and girls can use the baby name Hayden.

Pronunciation of the name Hayden:

HAY-den

Number of syllables in the name Hayden:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Hayden:

Though it is a traditional name, Hayden still feels trendy and modern. This gives it a youthful and mischievous presence.

Alternative spellings for the name Hayden:

Haden
Haiden
Haydan
Haidyn
Haydin

Nicknames for the name Hayden:

Ayden
Hayhay
Haylo
Haydie
Hayde

Popularity of the name Hayden:

Hayden has actually been on the Social Security Index since 1900 as it was used rarely in the early twentieth century. As of 1994, however, the name went to the top 200 list, and in 2002, it went to the top 100 list until 2011. Now, the name ranks at number 177 overall.