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ETYMOLOGY: (CAY-den) spirit of battle; fighter; round.

ORIGIN & HISTORY: There is considerable debate about the origins of the name Caden. One popular belief is that it is a derivative of McCadden, a clan from Northern Irish and Scotland. Many believe that McCadden originally stemmed from the Gaelic words for son of Aidan or son of Cathan, which means little battle. Eventually, some ancestors of the McCaddens became Cadens most likely due to immigration or dispersion. Another popular theory is that Caden comes from the Welsh word Cadell or Cadel that means spirit of battle. Caden's usage as a first name is primarily a recent American phenomena.

POPULARITY: Caden has continued to be a common surname, but has only enjoyed relatively recent use as a first name. According to the US Census, the boom in usage happened sometime in the early 1990s and has continued to increase steadily since then, becoming one of the most popular boy's names in 2005. Caden is generally used as a masculine name, but with alternative spelling (Cadyn) has also been used for a female name.

FASCINATING FACTS: Kadin is an Arabic name which means friend or companion. Caden also can be a German surname that has its origins in place, or marshy land. Cadence is a popular female version that comes from the Latin word meaning rhythm. Kadeen is an Indian name meaning unknown.

Caden is also associated with a boom called Aidan rhyming names trend that has occurred in this century, along with derivatives of Aidan and names like Jayden, Hayden, and Treyton. In 2007, BabyCenter.com reported that Caden dethroned Matthew of its number five spot among the most popular names for boys. Most common reasons cited for naming child Caden by parents is "originality" or wanting an unusual name for their child.

Numerology suggests that this name imbues the individual with characteristics of creativity, intuition, inspiration and altruism. Interpretation of numerology suggests Cadens will "fight" to improve their world.

NAMESAKES: Caden Lane is a popular line of designer baby and children's clothing and accessories and a line of shoes for the brand Rockport. Caden Biosciences is a biotech company that does research on G-Protein Coupled Receptors.

FAMOUS PERSONS: Caden Waidyatilleka (1994-) played the young Hurley on ABC's show LOST and is a notable Hawaiian stage actor.

NAME VARIANTS: Caiden, Cayden, Kayden, Kaydyn, Kaeden, Caeden, Kaden, Kadin, Cadan, Cadann, Cadin, Cadence, Cadden. Nicknames include: Cade, Cay, Kay, Ann, Danny, Dan, Denny.

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