Aidan Overview
- Meaning: The name Aidan has Gaelic origins and means “little fire.” Its roots are tied in Irish mythos to the Celtic god of sun and fire “Aodh.” Aidan was born from Aodh, or the given name “Aodhàn.” Over time, the variations ended up in their modern versions: Aidan or Aiden.
- Gender: Aidan is primarily a boy’s name. On occasion, it has been given to girls, but feminine variants such as Aidyn or Ayden are more common choices.
- Origin: The name came about from the Celtic god “Aodh.” Many Irish boys were given the name in tribute to the deity. When the Irish migration to the United States and Canada happened, the name made its way around the world.
- Pronunciation: Aidan is most commonly pronounced as “AY-duhn.” It has a sharper “A” sound at the beginning and a much softer “u” sound in the second syllable.
- Popularity: In the United States, Aidan was ranked number 261 in 2020. However, its variant spelling “Aiden” rose to 24 in 2020. That represents a substantial rise in popularity as it placed number 324 in 2000.
- Nicknames: Addie, Ade, Adie, Dan, Danny, Dee, Den, Denny.
- Variations: Aadyn, Áedán, Aiden, Aidyn, Aodhnai, Aydan, Ayden, Aydin.
- Namesakes: Aiden Byrne (English chef), Aidan Hutchinson (American football player), Aidan Turner (Irish actor).
What Does Aidan Mean?
The name Aiden has Gaelic origins and means “little fire.” Its roots are tied to Irish mythos, where the Gaelic language designated “Aodh” as the Celtic god of sun and fire. Besides “Aodh,” Aidan may derive from the given name “Aodhàn.”
Over time, the variations evolved into their modern versions: Aidan or Aiden. There have been many versions of the name, including Aeddan in Scotland and Wales. The vowel syllables were often exchangeable yet maintained the same meaning.
What Is the Origin of the Name Aidan?
The name can be traced back to the Celtic god Aodh in Ireland. Males would often be named in honor of Aodh. When the Irish migration to the United States and Canada happened, the name made its way across the pond.
There, several variations came about. In the 21st century, the name Aiden rose in popularity.
How Popular Is the Name Aidan?
At the turn of the 21st Century, Aidan and its variant spellings rose in popularity in the United States. While Aidan ranked 261 in 2020, its variant spelling “Aiden” was number 24. That is an impressive jump as it only held the position of 324 in 2000 (1).
How Do I Pronounce Aidan?
Aidan is most commonly pronounced as “AY-duhn.” It has a sharper “A” sound at the beginning and a much softer “u” sound in the second syllable. There are no other pronunciations of this name.
Is Aidan a Boy or Girl Name?
Aidan is primarily a boy’s name. On occasion, it has been given to girls. However, variants such as Aidyn or Ayden are more common for girls. The Gaelic female equivalent is “Aodhnait.”
Variations of Aidan
Aidan is a popular name with biblical ties that has spread between nations, beliefs, and cultures. Some popular variations include:
- Aadyn (English, Irish)
- Áedán (Irish)
- Aiden (Irish)
- Aidyn (Irish)
- Aodhnait (feminine, Irish)
- Aydan (Irish)
- Ayden (Irish)
- Aydin (Irish)
Nicknames for Aidan
While there are numerous variations, only a few nicknames exist in comparison, such as:
- Addie
- Ade
- Adie
- Dan
- Danny
- Dee
- Den
- Denny
Similar Names to Aidan
There are also a handful of names similar to Aidan, some of which are biblical while others are not.
These include:
- Aaron
- Abraham
- Adam
- Alexander
- Caleb
- Daniel
- David
- Elias
- Isaac
- Jacob
- James
- Jonah
- Joseph
- Luke
- Matthew
- Zachary
Middle Names for Aidan
Aidan is often a middle name itself, but some great pairings with it as a first name include:
- Adam
- Adler
- Anthony
- Bartholemew
- Benjamin
- Bobby
- Caleb
- Curtis
- David
- Douglas
- Joseph
- Michael
- Noah
- Sampson
Sibling Names for Aidan
Many names go great alongside Aidan for a sibling, whether boy or girl. Some of the most popular are:
For a brother:
- Anthony
- Adam
- Edward
- Isaiah
- Julian
- Michael
- Nathan
- Noah
- Samuel
- Thomas
And for a sister:
- Emily
- Emma
- Etta
- Evelyn
- Grace
- Hannah
- Hazel
- Isobella
- Lillian
- Rebecca
Famous People Named Aidan
There are also many famous people named Aidan.
Some other famous Aidans include:
- Aidan Apodaca: American soccer player.
- Aiden Byrne: English chef.
- Aidan Hutchinson: American football player.
- Aiden Leslie: American musician and songwriter.
- Aidan Turner: Irish actor.
- Aidan Zammit: Maltese musician.
- Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne: Irish religious figure and bishop.
Aidan in Popular Culture
Today, many Aidans are characters in pop culture as well.
You might recognize these fictional characters:
- Aidan Brosnan: A character from the British TV series “EastEnders.”
- Aiden Ford: A fictional character in the television series “Stargate Atlantis.”
- Aiden Lucas: A fictional character in the TV program “Ghost Whisperer.”
- Aidan Lynch: A character from the “Harry Potter” book series by J.K. Rowling.
- Aiden Pearce: The main character from the “Watch Dogs” videogame.
- Aidan Shaw: A fictional character from the HBO series “Sex and the City.”
- Aidan Waite: A fictional character from the sci-fi movie “Being Human.”
Aidan FAQs
There might be some other questions in your mind about the name Aidan. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked.
What Other Meanings Does Aidan Have?
On top of its Irish significance, Aidan also has Hebrew meanings. They include the traits of attractiveness and pleasure. In the Hebrew Bible, Adin returned to Israel from exile in Babylon with Zerubbabel (2).
Are There Any Qualities Associated With Aidan?
Yes! Often, the name Aidan evokes charisma, confidence, and elegance. Other attributes associated with the name include being sensitive, tactful, and empathetic. It’s no surprise that many actors have it as a forename, such as Aidan Turner of “Poldark” and “The Hobbit” fame.
