Aidan is an anglicized form of the Irish name Aodhán, which itself is a diminutive of Aodh, meaning 'fire' or 'little fire.' The name was traditionally common only in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, but it gained widespread popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.Etymology and Linguistic RootsThe ultimate origin of Aidan lies in the Old Irish name Áedán, a diminutive of Áed. The element áed means 'fire,' and the name may have originally referred to a Celtic sun god (see Aodh). The Irish feminine form is Aodhnait.Notable BearersHistorically, the name Aodhán was borne by several early Irish saints, including a 6th-century bishop of Ferns and a 7th-century bishop of Lindisfarne, as well as a 6th-century king of Dál Riata. In the modern era, notable bearers include actors Aidan Quinn and Aidan Turner, as well as musician Aidan Moffat.Variants and Modern PopularityVarious English variants have emerged, including Aiden, Ayden, Aden, and Aaden. The spelling 'Aiden' in particular rose dramatically in popularity in the United States during the 2000s, peaking as the 13th most common name for boys in the 2010s. The name's appeal may owe partly to its sound, shared with names like Braden and Hayden. In addition, the name Aodhagán serves as a distinct Irish diminutive.Cultural SignificanceAidan has been used as an anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic Aodh, corresponding to the traditional anglicization Hugh (which itself derives from the Germanic Hugo, meaning 'mind, spirit'). Despite their historical convergence, Aidan and Hugh today have distinct typologies.Meaning: Little fireOrigin: Irish, via Old Irish ÁedánType: Given name (male)Usage regions: English-speaking world, particularly Ireland, UK, USA, Canada, Australia