Find out how popular the first name Aidan has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Aidan by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Aidan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Aidan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,111 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Aidan.

The history of the first name Aidan

The name Aidan is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Aodhán, which means "little fire" or "fiery one". It originated from the ancient Celtic culture of Ireland, dating back to at least the 6th century AD.

Aidan was a popular name among early Irish Christians, as it was borne by several saints and religious figures. One of the most notable was St. Aidan, an Irish monk who brought Christianity to Northumbria in England in the 7th century. He founded the monastery on the island of Lindisfarne and is remembered for his missionary work and influence in spreading the faith.

The name Aidan also appears in early Irish literature and manuscripts, such as the Annals of Ulster, which record events and individuals from the 5th to the 16th century. It was a common name among the Irish nobility and ruling families during this period.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Aidan is from the 7th century, when Aidan mac Gabrain was the King of Scots from 574 to 608 AD. Another notable figure was Aidan of Ferns, an Irish saint and bishop who lived in the 7th century.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Aidan. These include Aidan of Lindisfarne (d. 651), an Irish monk and missionary credited with restoring Christianity to Northumbria; Aidan of Mayo (d. 768), an Irish saint and abbot; and Aidan of Clonenagh (d. 626), an Irish saint and founder of the monastery at Clonenagh.

In more recent times, Aidan Gillen (born 1968) is an Irish actor known for his roles in Game of Thrones and The Wire. Aidan Quinn (born 1959) is an American actor who has appeared in films such as Legends of the Fall and Practical Magic. Aidan Turner (born 1983) is an Irish actor best known for his role in the TV series Poldark.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Aidan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Aidan, please contact us.

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