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 experienced significant growth in popularity from the late 1980s onwards, with a notable spike starting around 1998. Between 1969 and 1987, there were fewer than 40 births per year on average. However, beginning in 1988, the number of annual births started to climb steadily, reaching over 250 by 1998. The name reached its peak popularity between 2002 and 2007, with over 700 births each year during this period. Since then, popularity has declined, with fewer than 1,000 births per year from 2016 onwards. Overall, there have been a total of 31,915 births with the name Hayden since 1969.