MallowbyNames

Braiden

BRAY-den · Of uncertain origin; likely a variant of Braden, which may be an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Bradáin, meaning 'descendant of Bradán', with Bradán possibly meaning 'salmon'.

2025 rank (boys)
#2,833
Babies named in 2025
44
Peak popularity
2010
2025 frequency
1 in 38,820 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2009

Declining since 2009, #2,833 for boys today.

Popularity of Braiden since 1984

Babies named Braiden per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1883755631990200020102020Most births 2009Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1980s55
1990s631
2000s3,505
2010s2,963
2020s483

Meaning & origin

Braiden is a modern variant of Braden, part of a wave of creatively spelled Irish-derived names that rose in popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. First recorded in 1984, Braiden reached its peak rank in 2010, but has since fallen, with a 2025 rank of 2,833. The name is used for approximately 1 in 38,820 newborn boys, making it relatively uncommon. Its top state for usage is Florida, reflecting the name's strongest regional presence. Braiden fits a broader trend of names ending in the popular 'ayden' sound, yet it retains a distinct spelling that sets it apart from the more common Brayden. As a relatively recent coinage, its long-term trajectory remains to be seen.

Braiden is a modern spelling variant of Braden, itself an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Bradáin. The original Irish personal name Bradán may derive from a word meaning 'salmon', but the precise etymology is debated. Braiden emerged in the late 20th century as part of the trend toward unique spellings of traditional names, and its use has been most common in the United States since the 1990s.

Where Braiden 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.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Brad, Brady, Braid

Variants: Braden, Braeden, Brayden, Bradyn, Braidyn

Sibling names for Braiden

Names that share Braiden's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

B is for Braiden, our favorite little boy.

B is for Braiden…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Braiden's letter becomes Braiden's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Braiden's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Braiden mean?
The exact meaning of Braiden is uncertain, but it is generally considered a variant of Braden, which may derive from an Irish surname meaning 'descendant of Bradán', with Bradán possibly meaning 'salmon'.
How popular is the name Braiden?
As of 2025, Braiden ranks 2,833 in the United States, with approximately 1 in 38,820 newborn boys given that name. Its popularity peaked in 2010, but it has been declining since 2009.
Is Braiden a boy's name?
Braiden is primarily a boy's name, having been recorded for boys since 1984. While variant spellings may occasionally be used for girls, Braiden itself is almost exclusively masculine.