MallowbyNames

Aodhan

AY-dawn · Little fire

2025 rank (boys)
#6,143
Babies named in 2025
14
Peak popularity
2004
2025 frequency
1 in 122,005 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2005

Declining since 2005, #6,143 for boys today.

Popularity of Aodhan since 1990

Babies named Aodhan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

817251990200020102020Most births 2004Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s40
2000s130
2010s94
2020s53

Meaning & origin

Aodhan, the Irish original of the widely popular Aidan, retains a strong cultural identity while remaining relatively rare in the United States. First recorded in 1990, it reached its peak popularity in 2004, the same year that Aidan variants dominated the charts. Since 2005, its usage has been declining, reflecting a broader trend away from Irish names in the mainstream. Despite this, Aodhan's connection to Irish heritage and its meaning of "little fire" give it a distinctive appeal. The name has not appeared in any top state rankings, indicating its niche status. For parents seeking an authentic Irish name with deep historical roots, Aodhan offers a meaningful alternative to its Anglicized counterparts.

Derived from the Old Irish name Áedán, a diminutive of áed meaning "fire." The name was borne by several early Irish saints, including Saint Áedán of Ferns. Aodhan remains a traditional Irish name, popular in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.

Aodhan” around the world

Where Aodhan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • Ireland

    16

    babies in 2025

Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Aodh, Aidan

Variants: Áedán, Aidan, Aiden, Edan

Sibling names for Aodhan

Names that share Aodhan's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Caoimhe, Niamh, Orla, Saoirse, Ciara

Brothers: Cian, Oisin, Sean, Finn, Conor

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Aodhan, our favorite little boy.

A is for Aodhan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Aodhan's letter becomes Aodhan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Aodhan's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Aodhan mean?
Aodhan means "little fire," derived from the Irish word for fire.
Is Aodhan currently a popular name?
As of 2025, Aodhan ranks 6143rd in the United States, with roughly 1 in 122,005 newborns given the name.
Is Aodhan a boy's name?
Yes, Aodhan is traditionally a boy's name in Irish culture.