A
Masculine
Irish
Meaning & History
Aodhagán is a masculine Irish given name derived from the Old Irish Áedacán, representing the double diminutive of the name Aodh (or its ancestor Áed). The name thus means literally 'little fire' or 'young fire', by the addition of two successive diminutive suffixes: -án and -agán. This structure, a diminutive formed from an already diminutive form, is characteristic of Irish onomastic traditions. Related forms include Aodhán and the Anglicized genealogical surnames Egan and Hagan (from the original clan name Ó hAodhagáin). The name Aodh itself holds deep significance in Irish mythology and early medieval history, borne by numerous legendary figures and High Kings of Ireland, and is conventionally Anglicized as Hugh.