Hayden
Hayden is a unisex name of English origin meaning “Hay valley”, pronounced HAY-din. It ranked #437 in the United States in 2025, given to 707 babies, and peaked at #127 in 2008. Common nicknames: Hay, Hayes.
How popular is Hayden in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Hayden mean, and where does it come from?
Hayden is an English surname and place name derived from the Old English "heg" (hay) and "denu" (valley), describing a valley where hay was grown or gathered. It may also draw on the Welsh personal name Aeddan, meaning "little fire," through anglicized forms such as Haydn. The name honours the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn in its alternate spelling and has been used across gender lines since the late twentieth century, with actresses Hayden Panettiere and actor Hayden Christensen both raising its profile in the 2000s. Hayden's crisp, two-syllable structure and nature-rooted meaning have kept it a steady presence on both boys' and girls' name charts.
How is Hayden used around the world?
Hayden is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Hayden?
Famous People Named Hayden
- Hayden Panettiere — American actress and singer
- Hayden Christensen — Canadian actor known for playing Anakin Skywalker
- Hayden Rorke — American actor known for I Dream of Jeannie
Similar Names to Hayden
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Sibling Name Ideas for Hayden
Looking for names that pair well with Hayden? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Hayden mean?
Hayden is a unisex name of English origin meaning "Hay valley." Hayden is an English surname and place name derived from the Old English "heg" (hay) and "denu" (valley), describing a valley where hay was grown or gathered. It may also draw on the Welsh personal name Aeddan, meaning "little fire," through anglicized forms such as Haydn.
How do you pronounce Hayden?
Hayden is pronounced HAY-din. Common variations include Haydn, Haiden, Haydan.
Is Hayden a unisex name?
Yes, Hayden is traditionally a unisex name. Popular nicknames include Hay, Hayes.