by Nicole Williams

Created on: January 18, 2008

ETYMOLOGY:
Pronounced "BRAY-din". The English meaning for Brayden is "broad hillside", the Irish meaning for Brayden is "brave", and the Gaelic meaning is "salmon" or "son of the salmon".

ORIGIN & HISTORY:
The first name Brayden most likely comes from the surname Braden, which was first found in Northumberland (in the Northeast part of England) where the Bradens were seated (in the royal Court) in ancient times. It's said that they were present prior to the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

One of the first known settlers to America baring the surname Braden was Fredrick Braden, who settled in Boston, Massachusetts in 1766.

POPULARITY:
Though it's an acceptable as a girl's name, Brayden (female) has not ever been in the top 1,000 names. Brayden is much more popular as a boy's name. It first appeared in the top 1,000 names in 1991 at number 884. It has since climbed every year and was number 79 in the year 2006.

FASCINATING FACTS:

Brayden Jones is an actor/ stunt performer, though he specializes more in the way of stunts. You can see his stunt work in the movie "The Incredible Hulk" and "Shoot'Em Up" as well as on the television biography "Evel Knievel". He was the stunt double for the character Leo in the television series "Dangerous Child". Jones also did stunts in the television shows "Possessed" and "Run the Wild Fields".

NAMESAKES:
- Publisher: There's a publishing company called Brayden Books".
- A children's book exists with Brayden in the title called "Baby Brayden in The Mighty Marshmallow Mystery, A Sweet Holiday Adventure" written by Susie Bramhall.
- Brayden Creek is located in Newaygo County, Michigan.

FAMOUS PERSONS:
There are some famous people with the name Brayden including: Brayden Bell, an NCAA basketball player for the Utah State Aggies; Brayden Bullen, a Canadian actor; Brayden Coombs, a wide receiver in NCAA football for the Miami (Ohio) University Redhawks; Brayden McCurdy and Brayden Pierce, both actors; and Brayden Thompson, a musician.

NAME VARIANTS:
There are fourteen name variants on the name Brayden. They are: Braden, Bradn, Bradin, Bradyn, Braydan, Bradin, Braydon, Braydyn, Braiden, Braeden, Breadin, Braedyn, Braidin, and Braidyn. Nick names for Brayden include Bray and Brea.

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