Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Aedan

The spelling of Áedán is the most ancient Irish-Gaelic spelling of Aidan in circulation today. In fact, the modern day Aidan was derived from Aodhán which itself came from Áedán, from the ancient Irish “Áed” meaning “fire” plus the Irish diminutive suffix “-án” (therefore Áedán essentially means “little fire”. In Irish mythology, Áed was the ancient god of fire and the underworld. Áedán, Aodhán and Aidan were names borne by several medieval High Kings of Ireland as well as a couple important early Irish saints. The older Gaelic version of Áedán was relatively common during Antiquity and the early Middle Ages before being replaced with the more modern spellings of Aodhán and Aidan. Probably the most famous, Áedán mac Gabráin, was a 6th century King of Dál Riata (western coast of Scotland where the Gaels eventually overtook the Picts). Although he amassed a great army and often provoked battles with neighboring Ireland and England, he was ultimately defeated by the Anglo-Saxon King of Northumbria in the early 7th century. Áedán of Ferns is also a notable 6th/7th century Irish saint and first bishop of Ferns. According to legend, when there was no boat available to take the baby Áedán across a lake for his baptism, the child miraculously floated on a slab of stone into the hands of St. Kilian who performed the baptism himself. The spelling of Aiden is the most common in the United States, but Aidan is considered the proper and most popular spelling in Ireland and Northern Ireland (although the Northern Irish still use the more ancient variation of Aodhán with some frequency). Áedán could be considered the ultimate and most ancient form of Aidan, although we suspect most American parents are unaware of this fact. Rather, it was more likely and arbitrarily developed as yet another of the many spelling variations on the U.S. charts today.

All About the Baby Name – Aedan

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME AEDAN

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME AEDAN

The spelling of Aedan was on America’s Top 1000 list between 2005 and 2010. It has since fallen out of circulation (at least enough to not make the list). It’s highly doubtful American parents are using this name for its ancient Irishness (Áedán), but more as another clever respelling. Still, we have to tell you – this is actually a legitimate spelling. Perhaps best used on baby boys with actual Irish ancestry.

Quick Facts

ON AEDAN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

A-din

SIMPLE MEANING:

Little fire

Characteristics

OF AEDAN

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Aedan

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME AEDAN

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

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME AEDAN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Aedan


Popular Songs

ON AEDAN

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


Famous People

NAMED AEDAN

Áedán mac Gabráin (ancient Gaelic King of Dál Riata)
Saint Áedán of Ferns (Irish saint)

Children of Famous People

NAMED AEDAN

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME AEDAN

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