Hayden
Hayden is a unisex name of English origin meaning “hay valley; hedged valley.” It ranked #161 in the United States in 2025. From the Old English heg (hay) and denu (valley).
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how do you pronounce Hayden?
HAY-den
where does the name Hayden come from?
Originally an English place name, from hay and valley; for some bearers of the surname it comes instead from heathen.
Also associated with the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn. It became popular as a unisex given name in the U.S. in the early 2000s, partly through actress Hayden Panettiere.
how popular is this name?
Hayden has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 92 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 54. It peaked at #71 in 2007, and ranked #161 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #161 |
| 2024 | #154 |
| 2023 | #162 |
| 2022 | #162 |
| 2021 | #175 |
| 2020 | #177 |
| 2019 | #190 |
| 2018 | #180 |
| 2017 | #172 |
| 2016 | #168 |
| 2010 | #96 |
| 2007 | #71 |
| 2000 | #129 |
| 1990 | #379 |
| 1930 | #958 |
| 1920 | #846 |
| 1910 | #928 |
| 1900 | #836 |
| 1890 | #739 |
| 1880 | #909 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Hayden fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Hayden
As a first name it is a transferred use of the surname.
who are famous people named Hayden?
- Hayden Panettiere (actress)
- Hayden Christensen (actor)
what are the nicknames and variants of Hayden?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Hayden?
what names go well with Hayden?
Sibling names that share Hayden's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Hayden
What does the name Hayden mean?
Hayden means “hay valley; hedged valley”.
What is the origin of the name Hayden?
Hayden comes from the English naming tradition. Related forms include Haydn and Haiden.
How popular is the name Hayden?
Hayden ranked #161 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2007, at #71, and it has spent 92 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Hayden a boy or girl name?
Hayden is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Hayden?
Hayden is pronounced HAY-den, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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