The given name Braeden is a modern English variant of the ancient Irish masculine name Bradan, which is derived from the Gaelic word "bradan" meaning "salmon." This name has its origins in Celtic mythology and folklore, where the salmon was a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and perseverance.

Braeden was not a commonly used name until the late 20th century, but its roots can be traced back to Ireland and Scotland, where the name Bradan was popular among Celtic communities. The name may have been inspired by the legendary Salmon of Knowledge from Irish mythology, which was said to possess all the wisdom of the world.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bradan can be found in the ancient Irish epic "The Tain Bo Cuailnge," which dates back to the 8th century AD. In this epic, Bradan was the name of a warrior who fought alongside the legendary hero Cú Chulainn.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Bradan or its variant spellings. Braden of Ardglass (c. 1100 - c. 1170) was a 12th-century Irish cleric and historian who wrote extensively about the early history of Ireland. Another notable figure was Bradan Beag (c. 1580 - c. 1650), a Scottish Highland warrior and chieftain who played a significant role in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

In more recent times, the name Braeden gained popularity as a modern English variant, with the first recorded use of this spelling dating back to the late 20th century. One of the earliest notable individuals with this spelling was Braeden Wyatt (born 1982), an Australian actor known for his roles in television shows such as "McLeod's Daughters" and "Neighbours."

Other notable individuals with the name Braeden include Braeden Parrish (born 1990), an American professional baseball player; Braeden Kappes (born 1997), a Canadian actor and singer; and Braeden Walker (born 2000), a professional surfer from Australia.