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Kayden

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAY-dun /ˈkeɪ.dən/High

Meaning: Fighter; companion — modern American form related to Caden, from Irish Gaelic cadán or an Old English surnameMedium

In 30 seconds: A modern American name related to Caden and Kaiden, possibly rooted in Irish Gaelic meaning 'fighter' or 'companion.' Its appeal lies in its sound and rhythm more than a single definitive meaning.
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Origin MediumIrish Gaelic, English
MeaningFighter; companion — modern American form related to Caden, from Irish Gaelic cadán or an Old English surname
Peak year2014
Total births (all-time)≈ 46,061

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201419892017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Kayden is a variant spelling of Caden or Kaiden, which may derive from an Irish Gaelic name or from a Welsh word for 'spirit of battle.' Some connect it to an Old English surname of unclear meaning. Exact origins remain debated.

Kayden surged in the United States in the 2000s as part of the -aden naming trend and entered the top 100 boys' names. Multiple spellings (Caden, Kaiden, Aiden) all contributed to the trend's dominance.

Did you know? Kayden, Caden, Kaiden, and Aiden form a rhyming family of names that dominated American baby name charts in the 2000s — a phenomenon sometimes called the '-aden' craze.

Variations

CadenKaidenCaiden

Nicknames

KayKade

Famous Bearers

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If you like Kayden…

Aiden— the chart-topping -aden name that launched the entire rhyming trend
Brayden— rhyming -ayden name with the same breezy American contemporary feel
Jayden— rhyming -ayden name with the same 2000s peak popularity arc
Zayden— Z-version of the -ayden rhyming family with the same modern sound

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kayden mean?

Kayden's exact meaning is debated, but it is often linked to an Irish Gaelic root meaning 'fighter' or 'companion.' It is a variant of Caden.

How do you pronounce Kayden?

It is said KAY-dun /ˈkeɪ.dən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kayden a boy or girl name?

Kayden is used primarily as a boy's name, though it occasionally appears for girls.

How popular is Kayden?

Kayden was in the U.S. top 100 boys' names in the 2000s and 2010s.