Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Braden
BoyIrish· “descendant of Bradán; salmon”
- Meaning
- descendant of Bradán; salmon
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- BRAY-den
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,152
- US babies 2025
- 183
- Best rank
- #133 (2005)
- Peak year
- 2005
Meaning and origin of Braden
Braden is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “descendant of Bradán; salmon”.
Braden comes from the Irish surname Ó Bradáin, meaning "descendant of Bradán." Bradán is the Irish word for "salmon," a fish that held special importance in Irish legend as a symbol of wisdom. In England the surname Braden can also come from place names meaning "broad valley," so the name has more than one possible source. As a first name Braden became very popular in the United States in the late twentieth century, part of a wave of names ending in -den, including Aiden and Jayden. It has a friendly, sporty sound, and Brady is a natural nickname.
Popularity over time
Braden first appears in US Social Security records in 1916. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 50 different years, starting in 1970. Its best national rank was #133 in 2005, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,046 babies. In 2025, 183 babies were named Braden, and it ranked #1,152 nationally. That is 76% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,221 in 1950, #721 in 1980, #204 in 2000, #207 in 2010, and #1,152 in 2025. Of the 46,235 US boys named Braden since records began, 52% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 8,784 babies. Since 2010, 10,100 more have been named Braden.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Cristian, Conner, Malachi, Fernando, and Manuel.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Braden ranked highest in Missouri, Maryland, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | #720 | 7 |
| Maryland | #720 | 6 |
| Virginia | #741 | 9 |
| Pennsylvania | #748 | 11 |
| Michigan | #775 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Braden is usually pronounced BRAY-den, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with B and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Braden
A few middle names that flow with Braden: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Braden
Similar names
Aden Boy
AY-duhn
“little fire” · Irish
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Nolen Boy
NOH-luhn
“variant of Nolan, from an Irish surname” · Irish
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Calen Boy
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Aiden Boy
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Brayden Boy
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“modern form of Braden; salmon” · Irish
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Ayden Boy
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“little fire” · American (modern coinage)
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Kayden Boy
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“modern coinage related to Caden” · American (modern coinage)
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Caden Boy
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“modern name; possibly from an Irish surname” · American (modern coinage)
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Kaden Boy
KAY-dihn
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Kaiden Boy
KAY-duhn
“modern form of Caden” · American (modern coinage)
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Cayden Boy
KAY-duhn
“modern form of Caden” · American (modern coinage)
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Darren Boy
DEH-ruhn
Irish
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Lists that include Braden
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Braden mean?
Braden is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “descendant of Bradán; salmon”.
What is the origin of the name Braden?
Braden has Irish roots. Braden comes from the Irish surname Ó Bradáin, meaning "descendant of Bradán." Bradán is the Irish word for "salmon," a fish that held special importance in Irish legend as a symbol of wisdom.
Is Braden a popular name?
Not especially. Braden ranked #1,152 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Braden a boy or girl name?
Braden is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Braden?
Braden is usually pronounced BRAY-den. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings