Hayden

At a Glance

Meaning

Hay valley — a secondary theory instead derives it from a Middle Dutch word for 'heathen'

Origin

Old English (place name/surname)

Gender

Neutral

Pronunciation

HAY-dinListen

Hayden started out as an Old English place name and surname, and its most-cited meaning traces back to "hay valley." You might see it explained as meaning "fire," but that's a mix-up with Aiden — Hayden's own root points to English geography, not flame. It's a gender-neutral name with a vintage feel, pronounced HAY-din.

Meaning & Origin of Hayden

Meaning: Hay valley — a secondary theory instead derives it from a Middle Dutch word for 'heathen'.

Origin: Old English (place name/surname).

A common claim: Hayden is sometimes said to mean 'fire.' Actually: That 'fire' sense actually belongs to Aiden (from Irish Aodh, 'fire'), not Hayden, which is an English place name meaning 'hay valley.'

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Hayden

Popularity of Hayden

Hayden peaked at #71 in 2007, when 6,278 babies were given the name; by 2024 it had settled to #154, with 2,337 babies — still in use, just well off its high point.

Names Like Hayden

These names share Hayden’s style, era or origin.

• Addison
• Avery
• Baker
• Banks
• Carter
• Denver

FAQ

What does the name Hayden mean?

Hay valley — a secondary theory instead derives it from a Middle Dutch word for ‘heathen’. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Hayden?

Hayden is pronounced HAY-din (IPA: /ˈheɪdən/).

Is Hayden a popular name right now?

Hayden peaked at #71 in 2007 and is ranked #154 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

Make Hayden Name Art

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