The name Bryden is of Scottish origin, derived from the Old English word "brycg," meaning "bridge." This suggests that the name may have originally referred to someone who lived near a bridge or was associated with the construction or maintenance of bridges.

The name Bryden emerged in the medieval period, with some of the earliest recorded instances dating back to the 13th century in Scotland. It is believed to have been a variant of the more common name Bryden or Briden, which was often used as a surname for those associated with bridges.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Bryden was Bryden de Lanark, a Scottish nobleman who lived in the late 13th century. He was a prominent figure in the court of King Alexander III and played a role in the Wars of Scottish Independence against England.

In the 16th century, Bryden Douglas was a Scottish clergyman and poet who served as the Bishop of Moray from 1541 to 1551. He was known for his religious writings and his support for the Scottish Reformation.

In the 17th century, Bryden Macpherson was a Scottish soldier who fought for the Royalist cause during the English Civil War. He was captured at the Battle of Philiphaugh in 1645 and later executed for his role in the conflict.

In the 18th century, Bryden Tulloch was a Scottish writer and historian who authored several books on the history and culture of the Highlands. His work, "The Tulloch Family History," published in 1789, is considered an important source of information on Highland clans and genealogy.

In the 19th century, Bryden Prendergast was an Irish-born Australian politician and lawyer who served as the Premier of Victoria from 1880 to 1881. He was a prominent figure in the early political development of the colony of Victoria.

These examples illustrate the historical use of the name Bryden across various contexts, including nobility, religion, military service, literature, and politics. While the name has its roots in Scotland, it has been adopted and used by individuals from different backgrounds and regions over the centuries.