Braden Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Braden is an Irish name derived from 'O' Brádaigh', meaning 'spirited' or 'salmon'. It has evolved through historical forms like Brádach and gained popularity in the late 20th century as a modern name. The name conveys traits of energy and vitality, with no significant biblical connection.
The name Braden is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Braden has been falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West. Across generations, 'Braden' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5669th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4615th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2075th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 960th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 462nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 186th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 586th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 18004th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11245th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8897th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Braden' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Braden"
Pronunciation
/ˈbreɪdən/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
Braden is derived from the Gaelic surname 'O' Brádaigh', which means 'descendant of Brádach'. The name Brádach itself is believed to mean 'spirited' or 'salmon'.
Meaning
spirited, salmon
Language Evolution
Brádach, O' Brádaigh, Braden
Historical Usage
Braden gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, often associated with modern trends in naming.
Variants & Derivatives
Brayden, Braeden, Braydon
Modern Popularity & Image
Braden is perceived as a contemporary and trendy name, often associated with youthfulness and vigor.
Famous People
Braden Holtby, a professional ice hockey player, Braden Smith, an American football offensive tackle
Explore More Braden Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Braden"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Braden"
"Braden" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5669th of 7545 | 20 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4615th of 6773 | 34 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2075th of 7552 | 288 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 960th of 10718 | 1,138 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 462nd of 16616 | 6,703 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 186th of 24088 | 32,140 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 586th of 23106 | 5,727 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 18004th of 19264 | 6 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 11245th of 27321 | 77 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8897th of 35406 | 189 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Braden" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
67.94% 1651st/2430 |
- |
60.61% 1682nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
30.98% 910th/2937 |
32.99% 1149th/3483 |
38.83% 1366th/3518 |
20.92% 846th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
9.42% 347th/3685 |
15.55% 696th/4475 |
10.24% 532nd/5194 |
6.21% 392nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.10% 142nd/4582 |
4.43% 229th/5164 |
2.52% 184th/7313 |
3.10% 231st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
13.96% 556th/3984 |
13.68% 614th/4487 |
8.06% 550th/6822 |
10.42% 654th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Braden" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
75.58% 5527th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Braden"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Braden" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.