Derived from the Irish Gaelic 'Aodhán', meaning 'little fire', Aedan is a distinctive and historic male given name of Irish origin. It was originally used as a diminutive of the name Aidan, which itself means 'fiery' or 'fire'. This naming convention reflects the ancient Celtic belief in the power of fire and its association with the hearth and home.
The name Aedan first gained prominence during the early Middle Ages through Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne, a monk who later became Bishop of Lindisfarne in Northumbria around the 7th century. His influence helped to spread the use of his name throughout England and Ireland.
Today, Aedan continues to be a unique and attractive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet significant name for their sons. It offers a blend of historical importance and distinctive character, while also providing several charming nicknames such as Aedy or Eddie. Despite its rich history, it remains relatively rare, making it a compelling option for those who wish to honor Irish heritage without settling on a common choice.
The name Aedan experienced a notable increase in popularity between 2006 and 2008, with the number of births doubling from 5 to 10 in 2006 and then decreasing slightly to 8 in 2008. Prior to this peak, the name maintained a steady popularity with an average of 5 births per year from 2002 to 2005. Overall, there were a total of 43 births named Aedan over these seven years.