What does Aidan mean and where does it come from?
Aidan is derived from the Irish name Aodhán, which is a diminutive of Aodh meaning 'fire.' The name is predominantly used in Ireland and Scotland, and it has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past few decades in various English-speaking countries. Aidan has masculine and feminine forms, with
Cultural significance
Aidan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of little fire.
Peak popularity
Reached #312 in 2024 — currently #326 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Aidan?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
How popular is Aidan right now?
Declining — down 14 spots — currently #326 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #326 | 1,043 | ▼ down 14 · -5% births |
| 2024 | #312 | 1,098 | ▼ down 12 · -1% births |
| 2023 | #300 | 1,113 | ▼ down 4 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #296 | 1,160 | ▼ down 10 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #286 | 1,208 | ▲ up 4726 · +4732% births |
| 2020 | #5012 | 25 | ▲ up 468 · +4% births |
| 2015 | #5480 | 24 | ▼ down 2158 · -51% births |
| 2010 | #3322 | 49 | ▼ down 1940 · -69% births |
| 2005 | #1382 | 156 | ▼ down 71 · +8% births |
| 2000 | #1311 | 145 | ▲ up 363 · +65% births |
| 1995 | #1674 | 88 | ▲ up 3950 · +450% births |
| 1990 | #5624 | 16 | ▼ down 178 · +23% births |
| 1985 | #5446 | 13 | ▲ up 596 · +18% births |
| 1980 | #6042 | 11 | — |
The story of Aidan
Aidan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. More than 115,365 babies have been named Aidan since 1973. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6042 in 1980 to #300 in 2023. Aidan is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Aidan in 2024:
Aidan by decade
Aidan peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 22 | |
| 1960s | 71 | |
| 1970s | 191 | |
| 1980s | 593 | |
| 1990s | 9,392 | |
| 2000s ★ | 78,097 | |
| 2010s | 25,656 | |
| 2020s | 3,494 | |
What are good nicknames for Aidan?
How is Aidan written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Aidan
What does the name Aidan mean?
Aidan means "Little fire" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Aidan?
Aidan is currently ranked #300 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Aidan?
Aidan originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Aidan?
Aidan is a two-syllable name pronounced EYE-DIN. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Aidan more of a girl or boy name?
Aidan is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.