Aedan is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the old Irish name Áedán, which was borne by several early saints in Ireland. The name Áedán is believed to mean "little fire" or "fiery," possibly related to the Old Irish word áed, meaning "fire."
The most famous bearer of this name was Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne, who was born in Ireland around 630 AD and became a monk on Iona, an island off the coast of Scotland. He later founded a monastery on the island of Lindisfarne in Northumbria, England, where he served as bishop until his death in 651 AD. Saint Aidan is revered as one of the most important figures in the history of Christianity in England.
Due to its association with Saint Aidan and other early saints, the name Aedan has been used in Ireland for centuries, although it was not particularly common. In recent years, however, it has gained popularity outside of Ireland, especially among parents looking for unique and meaningful names with Irish origins.
Today, Aedan is still relatively rare compared to more popular Irish names like Patrick or Liam, but its distinctive sound and historic significance make it a compelling choice for parents who want their child's name to have a strong connection to Irish culture and history. Whether inspired by the saintly figures who bore this name or simply drawn to its unique sound, those who choose Aedan for their child are giving them a name with deep roots in Irish heritage.
The name Aedan experienced a notable increase in popularity between 2006 and 2008, with the number of births doubling from 5 to 10 in 2006 and then decreasing slightly to 8 in 2008. Prior to this peak, the name maintained a steady popularity with an average of 5 births per year from 2002 to 2005. Overall, there were a total of 43 births named Aedan over these seven years.