Declining since 2015, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Aengus since 1996
Babies named Aengus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 60 |
| 2010s | 105 |
| 2020s | 37 |
Meaning & origin
Aengus remains an uncommon but culturally rich name in the United States. First recorded in Social Security data in 1996, the name saw its peak popularity in 2014. Since 2015, its usage has been falling, reflecting a pattern seen with many traditional Irish names that are not among the mainstream choices. While its one-in-284,679 rarity in 2025 indicates it is still given to only a handful of boys each year, Aengus carries strong mythological and literary associations that appeal to families seeking a distinctive name with deep Irish roots.
Aengus is an anglicized form of the Old Irish name Óengus, likely composed of óen 'one' and gus 'strength, vigor'. In Irish mythology, Aengus (also known as Aengus Óg) was a god of love, youth, and poetic inspiration, son of the Dagda. The name has been used in Ireland for centuries and remains a traditional choice, though it is rare outside of Ireland.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gus
Variants: Oengus, Aonghas, Aonghus
Sibling names for Aengus
Names that share Aengus's style, for a brother or sister.
