Declining since 2005, #3,314 for boys today.
Popularity of Braeden since 1973
Babies named Braeden per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 120 |
| 1990s | 1,525 |
| 2000s | 8,403 |
| 2010s | 3,200 |
| 2020s | 384 |
Meaning & origin
Braeden is a modern spelling of Braden, part of the wave of -aiden and -aden names that surged in the 2000s. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1973, but its peak popularity came in 2005, when it ranked highest. Since then, its use has been falling, reflecting a broader decline in similar-sounding names. The name carries dual heritage: an Irish origin as an anglicized form of Ó Bradáin, meaning 'descendant of Bradán' (salmon), and an English origin from the place name Bradden, meaning 'broad valley'. This blend of old-world roots and modern styling gives Braeden a familiar yet distinctive feel.
Braeden is a modern spelling variant of Braden, which itself is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Bradáin, meaning 'descendant of Bradán'. Bradán is an Irish personal name meaning 'salmon', a creature rich in Celtic mythology as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. In English contexts, the name is also associated with the place name Bradden, derived from Old English 'brād denu', meaning 'broad valley'.
Where Braeden is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Brade, Brad, Brady
Sibling names for Braeden
Names that share Braeden's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Braeden
Names whose popularity has moved with Braeden's over the last 50 years.
