Heathen or person from the heath
Derived from the Middle High German word 'heiden', which originally referred to someone living on a heath or uncultivated land. Over time, it became the Germanic term for a 'heathen' or pagan, used to describe those not of the Christian faith. As a surname-turned-given-name, it carries a rugged, outdoorsy history.
Less common today
Heiden isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #5,860 in 2024.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Five-time Olympic gold medalist speed skater
A character in the tactical RPG series · Fire Emblem
