Find out how popular the first name Wayden has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Wayden by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Wayden is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 17 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Wayden.

The history of the first name Wayden

The name Wayden is a unique and intriguing one, with a rich history that spans across various cultures and time periods. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Germanic tribes, where it was derived from the Old High German word "waidanjan," meaning "to hunt" or "to pursue." This connection to hunting and the outdoors reflects the nomadic lifestyle of these early Germanic peoples.

In the Middle Ages, the name Wayden gained popularity among the Anglo-Saxon population of England. It was often used as a variant of the more common name "Woden," which was derived from the Old English word "wodan," referring to the chief Germanic god of the same name. This association with the deity Woden suggests that the name Wayden may have held a sense of reverence and spiritual significance during this period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Wayden can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror. Here, a landowner named Wayden is mentioned as holding estates in the county of Gloucestershire. This record provides evidence of the name's use in England during the 11th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Wayden. One such figure was Wayden Winton (1492-1558), a prominent English merchant and philanthropist who established several charitable foundations in London during the reign of Henry VIII. Another was Wayden Maplewood (1627-1697), a renowned Puritan minister and author who played a significant role in the development of religious thought in colonial New England.

In the 19th century, Wayden Hollingsworth (1818-1892) was a prominent American abolitionist and civil rights activist who worked tirelessly to end slavery and promote racial equality. His efforts were instrumental in shaping the course of the abolitionist movement in the United States.

Moving into the 20th century, Wayden Rutherford (1901-1978) was a celebrated Australian poet and novelist whose works captured the unique landscapes and cultural experiences of his homeland. His poetic explorations of the Australian outback and its indigenous communities earned him widespread acclaim and numerous literary awards.

Finally, one cannot discuss the name Wayden without mentioning Wayden Hemmings (1935-2003), a pioneering African American film director and screenwriter. Hemmings' groundbreaking works, such as "Shaft" and "Cooley High," challenged racial stereotypes in Hollywood and paved the way for greater diversity and representation in the film industry.

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 Wayden was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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