Aidan
Male nameIrish
✨ Meaning
Aidan is the anglicised spelling of the Irish Aodhán, a diminutive of Aodh, the name of an old Irish fire deity. The root simply means 'fire,' and the affectionate ending softens it to something closer to 'little fiery one.' The name therefore carries both warmth and energy, which is why it reads as friendly rather than fierce despite its elemental meaning, and why it has adapted so easily to English-speaking ears.
🌍 Origin
Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne, a seventh-century Irish monk who founded the monastery on Holy Island and helped convert Northumbria, gave the name lasting standing in both Ireland and Britain. It re-entered wide use in the United States in the 1990s and spawned an entire family of rhyming names, from Jayden to Kayden, that dominated boys' charts for two decades.
📈 Popularity Trend
⭐ Famous People Named Aidan
- Aidan Turner
- Aidan Gillen
- Aidan Quinn
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Aidan mean?
Aidan means 'little fire' or 'fiery one,' from the Irish Aodhán, a diminutive of Aodh.
Is it spelled Aidan or Aiden?
Aidan is the traditional Irish-derived spelling, while Aiden is the more common American respelling. Both are pronounced the same way.
Is Aidan an Irish name?
Yes. It comes directly from Irish Gaelic and was carried by Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne, one of Ireland's most influential early missionaries.