Find out how popular the first name Payden has been for the last 38 years (from 1986 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Payden by gender

Based on the last 38 years of data, Payden is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 66% of people named Payden being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 female babies and 10 male babies born with the name Payden.

It's also interesting to see that despite Payden being historically a mostly male name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more female babies being named Payden.

The history of the first name Payden

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.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Payden was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Payden, please contact us.

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