The name Jayden has carved a significant niche for itself in the world of baby names, particularly for girls. But how popular is the name Jayden, really? This article delves into the popularity trends of Jayden, exploring its origins, potential meanings, and similar-sounding alternatives. We’ll examine the data to understand its rise and recent shifts in popularity, helping you decide if Jayden is the perfect fit for your little one.
(Image of the name Jayden)
Jayden Name Popularity: A Statistical Journey
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides valuable data on name popularity, allowing us to trace the journey of Jayden through the years. Looking at the data, Jayden’s story is fascinating. Before the late 20th century, Jayden was virtually unheard of as a girl’s name. The SSA records show no instances of the name being used for girls until 1994, when it ranked 2,365 with only 18 births. The use of the name rose quickly.
Here’s a snapshot of Jayden’s popularity over the years:
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Early 1900s – 1993: The name was absent from the charts, with zero recorded births.
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1994: Ranked 2,365 with 18 births (0.0012% of total female births).
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1995: Ranked 1,960 with 28 births (0.0019% of total female births).
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1996: Ranked 1,556 with 53 births (0.0035% of total female births).
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1997: Ranked 1,050 with 127 births (0.0086% of total female births).
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1998: Ranked 891 with 186 births (0.0124% of total female births).
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1999: Ranked 598 with 367 births (0.0245% of total female births).
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2000: Ranked 491 with 516 births (0.0338% of total female births).
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2001: Ranked 368 with 783 births (0.052% of total female births).
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2002: Ranked 296 with 1,028 births (0.0686% of total female births).
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2003: Ranked 243 with 1,331 births (0.0875% of total female births).
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2004: Ranked 234 with 1,372 births (0.09% of total female births).
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2005: Ranked 225 with 1,502 births (0.0982% of total female births).
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2006: Ranked 204 with 1,676 births (0.107% of total female births).
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2007: Ranked 171 with 2,033 births (0.1289% of total female births).
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2008: Ranked 176 with 1,872 births (0.1211% of total female births).
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2009: Ranked 185 with 1,750 births (0.1171% of total female births).
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2010: Ranked 210 with 1,442 births (0.1001% of total female births).
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2011: Ranked 291 with 1,042 births (0.0731% of total female births).
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2012: Ranked 369 with 799 births (0.0561% of total female births).
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2013: Ranked 426 with 670 births (0.0471% of total female births).
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2014: Ranked 512 with 550 births (0.0377% of total female births).
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2015: Ranked 620 with 404 births (0.0278% of total female births).
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2016: Ranked 700 with 341 births (0.0237% of total female births).
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2017: Ranked 857 with 238 births (0.0171% of total female births).
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2018: Ranked 896 with 218 births (0.0159% of total female births).
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2019: Ranked 1,149 with 123 births (0.0091% of total female births).
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2020: Ranked 1,824 with 58 births (0.0046% of total female births).
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2021: Ranked 1,383 with 97 births (0.0079% of total female births).
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2022: Ranked 1,867 with 59 births (0.0045% of total female births).
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2023: Ranked 2,141 with 44 births (0.0034% of total female births).
The data clearly illustrates a significant surge in popularity from the mid-1990s to the late 2000s, followed by a decline in recent years.
The Meaning and Origin of Jayden
While its popularity is well-documented, the meaning of Jayden is somewhat debated. It is often linked to the name "Jade," which refers to a precious green stone symbolizing wisdom, justice, courage, modesty, and compassion. Some etymologists believe Jayden is a modern invented name, a combination of "Jay" (a bird name) and the popular suffix "-den." Others connect it to Hebrew origins, where it could mean "God has heard" or "thankful." The exact origin remains somewhat elusive, contributing to its unique and contemporary feel.
Names That Resonate with Jayden
If you’re drawn to the sound and style of Jayden, consider these alternatives:
Sound-Alike Names:
- Jaden: A close variant, often used interchangeably. It shares the connection to the precious stone meaning.
- Jaiden: Another popular variation, offering a slightly different spelling and pronunciation.
Similar Names:
- Jayde: A shorter and more direct connection to the "precious stone" meaning, offering a sophisticated and concise option.
- Jaydee: A playful and cheerful alternative, maintaining the "Jay" sound while adding a unique touch.
Beyond Popularity: The Enduring Appeal of Jayden
While the popularity charts offer valuable insights, the true appeal of Jayden lies in its modern sound and versatile nature. It’s a name that feels both strong and gentle, fitting for a girl with a bright future. Whether you’re drawn to its potential meanings, its stylish sound, or its unique history, Jayden remains a compelling choice for parents seeking a contemporary and memorable name.