Aiden is a modern and popular name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish name "Áedán". The meaning of Áedán is believed to be "little fire" or "fiery". This name has been traditionally used in Ireland for centuries and has gained international popularity in recent years.
The name Aiden first appeared in the 6th century with Saint Aidan, a monk from Ireland who later became the Bishop of Lindisfarne. He was known for his holiness, learning, and gentle manners. His influence contributed to the spread of Christianity throughout Northumbria in England during that time.
In literature, there are several characters named Aiden, including the main protagonist in the popular novel "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. This further helped to increase the name's popularity and recognition worldwide.
Today, Aiden is ranked among the top 100 baby names for boys in various countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Its popularity can be attributed to its unique sound, Irish heritage, and association with positive traits due to its historical figures.
Overall, Aiden is a strong and distinctive name that carries the rich history of Ireland while also sounding contemporary and appealing to parents around the world.
The popularity of the name Aiden has seen significant fluctuations over time, with a notable surge in usage from around 1995 onwards. Between 1970 and 1989, the number of births named Aiden remained relatively low, ranging between 5 to 19 births per year. However, starting from 1990, there was a substantial increase in its popularity, with over 246,000 babies named Aiden up until 2023. The peak in usage occurred in 2007 and 2008, with 15,589 and 16,027 births respectively. Since then, the popularity of the name has declined steadily but consistently, reaching 6,675 births in 2023.