Xaden

An alternative spelling to Zaiden, Zayden, and Zaden, with an unexpected X initial, in tune with Xander. Given to a small handful of American boys every year since 2002, this spelling shot up in popularity in 2024, likely due to the character of the same name the popular book Fourth Wing, part of The Empyrean Series.

Explaining the thought process behind his name, author Rebecca Yarros said she made a list of "what [she] thought hot guys' names would be" before finally settling on "Xaden" because she loved the "X" and thought that "he's a bad boy in this bad boy name."

New parents in 2024 seemed to agree. Nearly seventy boys received the name, compared to just eleven the year prior. With a potential TV adaption on the way along with several graphic novels, time will tell if the series continues to influence baby names.

While Xaden is considered a modern invention, as Zayden, Zaiden, and Zaden are, it might also be considered a spin on the Arabic Zaydan, meaning "growth, increase".

Pronounced ZAY-den.

As of October 2026, Xaden ranked #1420 for boys in US births in 2025 SSA.