Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Aden

The name Aden has a potentially interesting etymology. Most people consider Aden to be an altered spelling of the traditional Irish name Aidan, which is an anglicized version of the ancient Gaelic name "Áedán” or Aodhán. These Irish names are a derivative of the diminutive "aohd" meaning "little fire." The older Gaelic versions of the name were relatively common during the early medieval period and were borne by several important early Irish saints. Probably the most famous, the 7th century Saint Aidan of Iona, established a monastery in Northumbria which brought Christianity to the pagan Saxons. On the other hand, Aden is also considered an African or Middle Eastern name, most notably the namesake of the Gulf of Aden (at the mouth of the Red Sea) or the Yemeni port city of Aden. As such, the name has been found in surrounding areas in Yemen and the countries at the Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya). The ancient city of Aden in Yemen is believed by some to be where Cain and Abel are buried – as such the name is sometimes connected with the Garden of Eden.

All About the Baby Name – Aden

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME ADEN

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME ADEN

Interestingly, the name Aden appeared briefly on the U.S. popularity charts way back in 1880, 1884 and 1891 (albeit, at very low levels of usage) and then it abruptly disappeared for over 100 years until reemerging in the 21st century (in 2000). Clearly, the name’s return to the charts is connected with the ϋber-popularity of the names Aiden and Aidan. Once a name like Aiden achieves such trendiness in usage, American parents are bound to come up with their own creative spellings and new renditions of the name. Aden is most likely a product of this modern tradition in the United States. Just look at all of the mutations of the old Irish Aodhán: Aidyn, Ayden, Aydan, Aydin, Aaden and Aden. Some parents love these new inventions but a lot of people grumble over them. The preferred spelling in Ireland is Aidan, but in the U.S. it’s Aiden with an “e”. Despite their love of Celtic names, we guess Americans are still adamant about differentiating themselves from the pack. If you want to remain faithful to your Irish roots, go with Aidan. If you don’t care, then by all means, feel free to transform the name into a distinctly Americanized version of its old self.

Quick Facts

ON ADEN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

309

PRONUNCIATION:

AY-dən or AH-den

SIMPLE MEANING:

Little Fire

Characteristics

OF ADEN

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Aden

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ADEN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Aden

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ADEN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Aden


Popular Songs

ON ADEN

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Aden


Famous People

NAMED ADEN

Osman Aden Abdulle (Somali physician and geneticist)
Qamar Aden Ali (Somali politician)
Aden Robleh Awaleh (Djiboutian politician)
Aden Charmakeh (Djiboutian soccer player)
Aden Abdullah Osman Daar (the first president of Somalia)
Aden Bare Duale (Kenyan politician)
Aden Hashi Farah (Somali politician)
Aden Ibrahim Aw Hirsi (Somali politician)
Aden Mohammed (Somali banker and entrepreneur)
Aden Sugow (Kenyan politician)
Aden Saran-Sor (Somali politician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ADEN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Aden

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ADEN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Aden