Caden

Uncertain; sometimes linked to an Irish surname meaning “son of Cadán”.

Caden is a boys’ name in modern English usage, with a firm opening and a softer, unstressed ending. Its possible Irish connection runs through the surname Caden to Mac Cadáin, “son of Cadán”. The meaning of Cadán itself is unexplained, so Caden has no secure literal translation. The English pronunciation is /ˈkeɪ.dən/, KAY-dən: two syllables, with the first carrying the stress. The initial C sounds like k, and the vowel in the second syllable is reduced. That strong first beat can make the name feel lively, while the final n gives it a gentler close. Kayden and Kaden are related spellings. Caden keeps the same recognizable rhythm in a five-letter form, which may appeal if you prefer an uncluttered look. In conversation, specifying “Caden with a C” can be useful because the sound alone does not identify the spelling.

Etymology: A modern English given name sometimes connected with the Irish surname Caden, through Mac Cadáin, “son of Cadán”. The meaning of Cadán is unexplained, and this surname connection is not a settled derivation of the given name.