Aidan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the old Irish name Áedán. It is composed of two elements: "Áed" which means "fire" or "noble", and "-án" which is a diminutive suffix. Therefore, Aidan can be interpreted as meaning "little fiery one".
The name Aidan has been popular among the Irish for centuries. One of the most notable figures bearing this name is Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne, who was a monk and bishop in the 7th century. He was known for his piety, learning, and generosity, and he founded many monasteries during his lifetime.
Aidan has also been used as a personal name among non-Irish populations. In recent years, it has gained popularity outside of Ireland, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Overall, Aidan is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history dating back to ancient Ireland. Its meaning adds to its appeal, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for a meaningful and unique name for their child.
The name Aidan has seen a significant rise in popularity over the years, with a total of 116,260 babies named Aidan between 1936 and 2023. The name's usage remained relatively low until the late 1970s, with fewer than 25 births per year until 1978. However, it began to gain traction in the early 1980s, reaching triple-digit figures by 1990 and peaking in popularity between 1994 and 2003, with over 9,700 births per year during those years. Since then, Aidan's popularity has steadily declined, with fewer than 2,000 births per year since 2015. In recent years, the name has continued to lose favor, with only 1,111 births recorded in 2023.