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SatApr 19

National Hayden Day – April 19, 2025

National Hayden Day is celebrated every year on April 19. Choosing baby names is often a source of indecision and even heated debate. Do you play it safe and choose a family name, a move in itself that can offend one or other side of the family, or do you find something more daring or unusual? A name is usually for life and needs to be carefully selected. So why not find out more about this charming Old English name? And though it is a unisex name, it is most commonly borne by males.

History of National Hayden Day

Hayden is a name of Old English origin, originally used as a last name. The first syllable translates to ‘heg,’ meaning ‘hay,’ while ‘denu’ means ‘valley.’ Alternatively, ‘dun’ also translates to ‘hill.’ Although Hayden was once used as a last name, it is now commonly given as a first name. And though it is a unisex name, it is often borne by males.

A spelling variation of Hayden is ‘Haydon,’ which is the name of several places and villages in England, such as Haydon, Dorset; Haydon, Northumberland; Haydon, Bridge; and Haydon, Somerset. Another variant of the name is ‘Haydn,’ derived from the last name of famous composer Joseph Haydn, who arose from humble beginnings living between 1732 and 1809. His persistence and energy earned him a place in music history. Some sources claim that ‘Haydn’ is a respelling of the nickname ‘Heiden,’ meaning ‘heathen.’ Other variations of the name include Haeden, Haiden, or Haidyn. In Welsh tradition, it means fire and derives from the Celtic Aidan. Modern variations are Aiden and Jaden.

The name Hayden was most popular in 2007, ranking 71 in the U.S. That year alone, the number of male births given the name Hayden was 6,275. In 2012, it still ranked as one of the top 100 most popular names, and in 2016 was included in the top 150. However, according to data provided by the Social Security Administration, its popularity has witnessed a decline in recent years. As of 2021, Hayden ranks 176, with only 2,187 births matching the name.

National Hayden Day timeline

1732
The Musician is Born

Austrian composer Joseph Haydn is born in Rohrau, Austria.

2007
The Name’s Popularity Peaks

Hayden is ranked as 71 of the top 100 most popular male names.

2008
Its Popularity Declines

The popularity of Hayden begins its decline, dropping in rank from 71 to 76.

2019
Hayden Ranks 189

Hayden reaches its lowest level of popularity in the U.S.

National Hayden Day FAQs

What is the most popular male name?

As of 2021, Liam ranked as the most popular male name in the U.S.

What is the most popular female name?

‘Olivia’ ranked as the most popular female name of 2021.

How many people are called Hayden?

In 2021, 2,187 babies were named Hayden in the U.S.

National Hayden Day Activities

  1. Celebrate a Hayden

    If you know anyone named Hayden, wish him or her a happy National Hayden Day. It’s a good time to let them know how awesome they are.

  2. Go on a treasure hunt

    Today, make a fun game of finding out how many of your acquaintances bear the name Hayden. Also, try to find out how many famous people in history have the name.

  3. Spread the fun

    Let’s share in the fun and tell others about National Hayden Day. Post a snippet of this article on social media and use the hashtags #hayden and #nationalhaydenday.

5 Famous People Named Hayden

  1. Hayden Panettiere

    Born on August 21, 1989, Panettiere is an American actress most famous for her role as Claire Bennet in “Heroes.”

  2. Hayden Byerly

    Born October 11, 2000, Bennett is an actor best known for his role as Jude Adams Foster in “The Fosters.”

  3. Hayden Carruth

    Born August 3, 1921, Carruth was a poet, literary critic, and anthologist, who also lectured at Syracuse University.

  4. Hayden Christensen

    Born April 19, 1981, Christensen is an award-winning Canadian actor and producer.

  5. Hayden Desser

    Born February 12, 1971, ‘Hayden’ is a Canadian singer and songwriter.

Why We Love National Hayden Day

  1. Name holidays are special

    We love this day because it’s a special day dedicated solely to people named Hayden. On this day, they get to be celebrated.

  2. Hayden is gender-neutral

    We love Hayden because it is a gender-neutral name. It can be given to both male and female children, yet still, sound perfect.

  3. Hayden is a unique name

    Hayden is a name that evokes feelings of light, warmth, and joy. The cadence and melody of the name are appealing.

National Hayden Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 April 19 Saturday
2026 April 19 Sunday
2027 April 19 Monday
2028 April 19 Wednesday
2029 April 19 Thursday