The given name Payden has its roots in the Old English language, originating from the Anglo-Saxon era around the 5th to 11th centuries. It is derived from the Old English word "paeden," which means "path" or "trail." This name was likely given to individuals who lived or worked near well-trodden paths or traveled frequently along trade routes.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Payden can be found in the Domesday Book, a detailed survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. In this document, a landowner named Payden is mentioned as holding property in the county of Oxfordshire.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Payden was relatively uncommon, but it did appear in various historical records and literary works. In the 13th century, a French troubadour named Payden de Marseille was renowned for his lyrical compositions and love songs. Another notable bearer of the name was Payden of Salisbury, a 14th-century English monk and scholar who wrote several theological treatises.

During the Renaissance period, the name Payden gained some popularity among the nobility and wealthy merchant classes. One noteworthy individual was Payden Hastings (1515-1574), an English courtier and diplomat who served as an ambassador to the court of King Henry VIII.

In the 17th century, a Dutch explorer named Payden van der Meer (1620-1678) became famous for his expeditions to the East Indies and his detailed accounts of the region's geography and cultures.

Another prominent figure with the name Payden was Payden Fitzgerald (1788-1865), an Irish poet and playwright who was part of the Romantic literary movement. His works celebrated Irish nationalism and the country's rich cultural heritage.