The name Dryden is of English origin, derived from an Old English personal name composed of the elements 'dryc', meaning 'strong' or 'powerful', and 'thegn', signifying 'nobleman'. It was popularized by the renowned English poet John Dryden (1631-1700), often credited with being the first Poet Laureate of England. The name has also been associated with various places in England, such as Dryden, a village in Cambridgeshire.
"From 1992 to 2023, the name Dryden saw fluctuating popularity with a peak of 31 births in 2007 and a recent low of 5 births in both 2020 and 2023. Overall, there were 456 babies named Dryden during this period."