Aedan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the old Gaelic name Áedán. The name Áedán is composed of two elements: "áed" which means fire or noble and "án" which means little. Therefore, Aedan's meaning can be interpreted as "little fiery one" or "noble little one".
The name Aedan has a rich history in Irish mythology and literature. It was borne by several historical figures and legendary characters. One of the most notable was Saint Aidan (also known as Eanna), who was an early Christian missionary and the first Bishop of Lindisfarne, Northumbria, in the 7th century.
The name Aedan is also associated with the O'Kennedy clan, a prominent Irish family that descended from Áedán son of Dermot Mac Murchadha, the King of Ossory. The O'Kennedy's were known for their bravery and warrior spirit, which further adds to the noble connotation of the name Aedan.
In recent times, Aedan has gained popularity as a given name for boys. It is often associated with strength, courage, and nobility due to its historical context. Despite its Irish origin, the name Aedan can be found in various cultures and countries around the world, reflecting its universal appeal.
The name Aedan has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States. In 1988, there were only 5 recorded births with the name Aedan. However, by 2005, this number had grown to 207, indicating that more parents were choosing this name for their newborns.
The peak of popularity for the name Aedan was reached in 2006 and 2007, with 278 and 283 births respectively. This suggests that there may have been a particular cultural influence or trend during these years that contributed to the rise in popularity of this name.
After reaching its peak, the number of births with the name Aedan began to decline gradually. In 2019, there were 95 recorded births with the name, and this number decreased further to 77 in 2020 and 49 in 2021. The most recent data available shows that there were 34 births with the name Aedan in 2023.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Aedan has fluctuated over the years, it has remained a relatively uncommon name in the United States. As of 2023, a total of 3778 babies have been named Aedan since 1988. Despite its ups and downs in popularity, the name Aedan continues to be chosen by parents for their children, contributing to its ongoing presence in American naming trends.