Declining since 2004, #326 for boys today.
Popularity of Aidan since 1936
Babies named Aidan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 21 |
| 1960s | 71 |
| 1970s | 172 |
| 1980s | 465 |
| 1990s | 8,783 |
| 2000s | 76,513 |
| 2010s | 25,446 |
| 2020s | 6,955 |
Meaning & origin
Aidan is a classic Irish name meaning 'little fire' that has seen a dramatic rise and fall in American popularity. First recorded in the U.S. in 1936, it remained rare for decades before entering the top 1000 in 1990 and skyrocketing to its peak rank in 2003. Since 2004, usage has steadily declined, and by 2025 it ranked 326th, given to about 1 in 1,638 newborn boys. The name has been especially popular in Washington, D.C.; Rhode Island; and Massachusetts. The rise of Aidan is part of a broader trend of Irish and Gaelic names, with similar-sounding names like Jadon, Braeden, Jaden, Braden, and Brayan following a similar trajectory.
Aidan is the anglicized form of the Old Irish name Áedán, a diminutive of Áed 'fire'. The name was borne by several early Irish saints, most notably Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne (died 651), who converted Northumbria to Christianity. It saw limited use in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora before surging in popularity in the United States beginning in the 1990s, peaking in 2003.
Where Aidan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Aidan” around the world
Where Aidan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
#82
in 2025
New Zealand
16
babies in 2025
Quebec
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Aidy, Addy, Ade
Sibling names for Aidan
Names that share Aidan's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Brianna, Kaitlyn, Megan, Nora, Siobhan, Tara, Allana, Catrina, Rosaleen, Wynne, Aide, Ambria, Amyah, Neve, Ryanne, Teagen, Airianna, Brighid, Darra, Dineen, Myana, Reaghan, Rianne, Trianna, Alannis, Alauna, Caoimhe, Ciarah, Ryana, Thena, Shavonn, Aidaly, Alveena, Ceana, Ciaira, Jaisha, Janaiah, Meerab, Melanni, Sarin
Brothers: Liam, Declan, Caleb, Owen, Connor, Shayne, Cavan, Clancy, Deklan, Donal, Farrell, Caelen, Daegan, Ehren, Yaman, Braian, Edon, Erron, Finan, Keynan, Kienan, Aaris, Broghan, Finneus, Keanen
Names like Aidan
Names whose popularity has moved with Aidan's over the last 50 years.
