The surname of ADEN was a baptismal name 'the son of Ede' a popular font name during the 11th and 12th centuries. Early records of the name mention Nicholas filius Aden, 1273 County Norfolk. Edonia Tournour of Yorkshire, appears in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Henrie Sadde married Parnell Eaden at St. Jame's, Hanover Square, London in the year 1660.

Following the crusades in Europe in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, a need was felt for a family name to replace the one given at birth, or in addition to it. This was recognized by those of noble birth, and particularly by those who went on the Crusades, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status.

The name has been in County Cornwall since the 14th century, taken by settlers probably from Germany and France, well after the Norman Invasion of 1066. The earliest hereditary surnames in England are found shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and are of Norman French origin rather than native English. On the arrival of the Normans they identified themselves by references to the estates from which they came from in northern France. These names moved rapidly on with their bearers into Scotland and Ireland. Others of the Norman Invaders took names from the estates in England which they had newly acquired.

The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884.