"descendant of Bradan (salmon)"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: English
Braeden
Does Braeden flow with your last name?
A Celtic valley name from the -aden generation
American
Irish
Scottish
Strong
Classic
Modern
Earthy
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Braeden
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"broad valley"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
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The Story of Braeden
Braeden is a variant spelling of Braden, from the Irish surname O Bradain meaning descendant of Bradan, where bradan means salmon. Alternatively, it may derive from the Old English word brad meaning broad, combined with dun (hill) or denu (valley). As a first name, Braden and its variants (Braeden, Brayden, Braden) became popular in America in the 1990s-2000s as part of the -aden name craze alongside Aiden, Caden, and Jaden.
Braeden and its variant spellings exploded in popularity in the late 1990s and 2000s as part of a broader American trend for -den and -en ending boys names. Aiden, Caden, Jaden, and Braden all peaked together, becoming synonymous with millennial children. The name has since declined as the trend ran its course.
The -aden name phenomenon of the 2000s was remarkable in naming history -- several phonetically similar names (Aiden, Caden, Hayden, Braden, Jaden) all peaked simultaneously, creating entire school cohorts with rhyming names. Parents liked the Irish/Celtic sound combined with the modern -en ending.
Historical Record
Braeden first appeared in US Social Security records in 1973.
Over 13,607 babies have been named Braeden in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Braeden is past its peak , currently ranked #2,411 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Braden and its variants ranked in the US top 100 from roughly 2000-2015
- The -aden suffix became one of the most common endings in American boys names in the 2000s
- The name shares roots with the Irish word for salmon, which was a sacred fish in Celtic mythology
Braeden in Other Languages
Irish
Bradan
Welsh
Braedon
French
Braeden
English
Braeden
Scottish Gaelic
Bradan
Popularity Over Time
#2,411
Current Rank
Peaked 2005
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Braeden
B
Braeden Lemasters
Musician
1994
American musician and actor, member of the band MAGIC!
B
Braden Holtby
Athlete
1989
Canadian NHL ice hockey goaltender who won the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,411
- Total SSA Count
- 58
- Cultural Origins
- American Irish Scottish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Brae
Brady
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Braeden
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Braeden is also used as a girl name, ranked #21401.
View Braeden as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Braeden
What does the name Braeden mean?
"descendant of Bradan (salmon)" (from Irish Gaelic). "broad valley" (from Old English). Braeden is a variant spelling of Braden, from the Irish surname O Bradain meaning descendant of Bradan, where bradan means salmon. Alternatively, it may derive from the Old English word brad meaning broad, combined with dun (hill) or denu (valley). As a first name, Braden and its variants (Braeden, Brayden, Braden) became popular in America in the 1990s-2000s as part of the -aden name craze alongside Aiden, Caden, and Jaden.
What is the origin of the name Braeden?
Braeden has Irish Gaelic, Old English, American, Irish, and Scottish origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "descendant of Bradan (salmon)". In Old English, it means "broad valley".
Is Braeden a boy or girl name?
Braeden is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2411. As a girl name, it is ranked #21401. Braeden is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Braeden?
Braeden is currently ranked #2411 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Braeden?
Common nicknames for Braeden include Brae and Brady.
What are good middle names for Braeden?
Popular middle name pairings include Braeden James, Braeden Lee, Braeden Thomas, Braeden Cole, Braeden Scott, and Braeden Reid.
What are good sibling names for Braeden?
Names that pair well with Braeden as siblings include Aiden, Caden, Paige, Riley, Kylie, and Logan.
How many syllables does Braeden have?
Braeden has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Braeden a common or rare name?
Braeden is an uncommon name, ranked #2411 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Braeden?
Are there other spellings for Braeden?
Related spellings include Braelyn.
About the Name Braeden
Braeden is a boy name with American, Irish, and Scottish origins . The name means "descendant of Bradan (salmon)" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Braeden a boy or girl name? Braeden is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,411 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #21,401. Braeden is more commonly used as a boy name.
Braeden is currently ranked #2,411 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Braeden has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Braeden include Brae and Brady. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Braeden include Braelyn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis