Hayden is a surname of Scottish origin that has been increasingly used as a given name in recent years. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "Aighen" or "Hayden," which means "from the fire." This name was originally associated with people who lived near hayfields or had red hair, as both were thought to be fiery and passionate.
The surname Hayden can be traced back to the 12th century in Scotland. It is believed to have originated from one of two places: either from a village called Haydane in Aberdeenshire, or from the Scottish Gaelic word for "fire," which was given as a nickname to people with red hair or fiery tempers.
As a given name, Hayden has only gained popularity in recent decades. It first appeared on the U.S. Social Security Administration's list of popular baby names in 1987, and since then, its usage has steadily increased. Today, it is considered a unisex name, although it is more commonly given to boys.
Some notable people with the surname Hayden include actor Tom Hayden, musician Sarah Hayden, and basketball player LaPhonso Ellis-Hayden. As a given name, some famous Haydens include actress Hayden Panettiere, singer-songwriter Halsey (born Ashley Nicolette Frangipane), and football player Hayden Hurst.
In summary, Hayden is a Scottish surname that has become increasingly popular as a given name in recent years. Its meaning is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word for "fire," making it a powerful and dynamic choice for both boys and girls. While its origins can be traced back to medieval Scotland, Hayden's popularity as a given name is a more recent phenomenon, with many notable figures bearing this unique moniker.
The name Hayden has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States over the past few decades, with a significant increase in its usage since the mid-1980s.
From 1969 to 1979, the number of babies named Hayden remained relatively low, fluctuating between 6 and 14 births per year. However, starting in 1982, there was a notable rise in the name's popularity, with 21 births recorded that year.
This upward trend continued throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1991, Hayden was given to 77 newborn babies, and by 1994, this number had more than doubled, reaching 153 births. The name's popularity peaked in 2007 with a staggering 1,737 babies named Hayden that year.
Despite a slight decrease in popularity in recent years, Hayden remains a popular choice for parents in the United States. In 2022, there were still 933 newborns named Hayden, bringing the total number of births with this name since 1969 to an impressive 31,915. This demonstrates that while Hayden may not have always been a common name, it has certainly made its mark on American naming trends in recent decades.