Declining since 2007, #3,658 for boys today.
Popularity of Aedan since 1988
Babies named Aedan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 177 |
| 2000s | 1,778 |
| 2010s | 1,604 |
| 2020s | 298 |
Meaning & origin
Aedan is a modern spelling variant of the ancient Irish name Aodhán, which means 'little fire'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1988, a latecomer compared to the earlier-established forms Aidan and Aiden. The name experienced a peak in popularity in 2007, when it ranked at its highest. Since then, its trajectory has been falling, reflecting a wider shift away from the Aidan/Aiden sound family. In 2025, Aedan sits at rank 3658, with roughly 1 in 56936 newborns receiving the name. Though it has never been a top-tier choice, its Gaelic roots and connection to early Irish saints give it a steady appeal among parents seeking a name with cultural heritage.
Aedan is an anglicized variant of the Irish name Aodhán, a diminutive of Aodh meaning 'fire'. The name was borne by several early Irish saints, including Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne (7th century), who spread Christianity in Northumbria. Aodhán remains a common name in Ireland, while Aedan and Aidan are popular in English-speaking countries.
“Aedan” around the world
Where Aedan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ade, Addy, Aidy
Sibling names for Aedan
Names that share Aedan's style, for a brother or sister.
