Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kaden
BoyAmerican (modern coinage), Irish· “modern name; possibly from an Irish surname”
- Meaning
- modern name; possibly from an Irish surname (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), Irish
- Pronunciation
- KAY-dihn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #328
- US babies 2025
- 1,034
- Best rank
- #92 (2006)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Kaden
Kaden is often said to mean “modern name; possibly from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) and Irish roots.
Kaden is a spelling variant of Caden, a modern American name of debated origin. It is sometimes connected to the rare Irish surname Mac Cadáin, whose meaning is uncertain, and meanings such as "fighter" or "spirit of battle" that circulate online are not well supported. Most parents choose it for its sound, which fits naturally with names such as Aiden and Braden. The K spelling gives it a slightly sharper, more contemporary look. Kaden is short, friendly and easy to say, and Kade makes a strong one-syllable nickname for those who want something more rugged.
Other spellings with the same sound: Kaydon.
Popularity over time
Kaden first appears in US Social Security records in 1977. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 33 different years, starting in 1993. Its best national rank was #92 in 2006, the same year it reached its highest count of 4,746 babies. In 2025, 1,034 babies were named Kaden, and it ranked #328 nationally. That is 56% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #6,749 in 1980, #273 in 2000, #106 in 2010, and #328 in 2025. Of the 69,595 US boys named Kaden since records began, 50% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 24,431 babies. Since 2010, 31,793 more have been named Kaden.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Miguel, Brady, Caden, Kaleb, and Preston.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kaden ranked highest in West Virginia, Mississippi, and Indiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #144 | 14 |
| Mississippi | #226 | 14 |
| Indiana | #233 | 36 |
| Virginia | #241 | 36 |
| Kentucky | #247 | 22 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Kaden over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Kaden is usually pronounced KAY-dihn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Kaydon.
Middle names for Kaden
A few middle names that flow with Kaden: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kaden
Similar names
Brayden Boy
BRAY-duhn
“modern form of Braden; salmon” · Irish
#229
Ayden Boy
AY-dihn
“little fire” · American (modern coinage)
#257
Kayden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern coinage related to Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#135
Caden Boy
KAY-dihn
“modern name; possibly from an Irish surname” · American (modern coinage)
#201
Kaiden Boy
KAY-duhn
“modern form of Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#237
Cayden Boy
KAY-duhn
“modern form of Caden” · American (modern coinage)
#414
Calen Boy
KAY-luhn
“uncertain, possibly variant of Caelan” · American (modern coinage)
#3,323
Jaden Boy
JAY-dihn
“modern coinage; possibly from biblical Jadon” · American (modern coinage)
#421
Zayden Boy
ZAY-duhn
“modern variant of Jayden” · American (modern coinage)
#214
Jaiden Boy
JAY-duhn
“modern blend of Jay and Aiden” · American (modern coinage)
#618
Jaylen Boy
JAY-lin
“blend of Jay and Len” · American (modern coinage)
#361
Caiden Boy
KAY-duhn
“uncertain; modern variant of Kaden” · American (modern coinage)
#602
Lists that include Kaden
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kaden mean?
Kaden is often said to mean “modern name; possibly from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) and Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Kaden?
Kaden has modern American and Irish roots. Kaden is a spelling variant of Caden, a modern American name of debated origin.
Is Kaden a popular name?
Yes. Kaden ranked #328 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kaden a boy or girl name?
Kaden is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Kaden over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Kaden?
Kaden is usually pronounced KAY-dihn. 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