Aiden is a modern and popular name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish name "Áedán". The meaning of Áedán is believed to be "little fire" or "fiery". This name has been traditionally used in Ireland for centuries and has gained international popularity in recent years.
The name Aiden first appeared in the 6th century with Saint Aidan, a monk from Ireland who later became the Bishop of Lindisfarne. He was known for his holiness, learning, and gentle manners. His influence contributed to the spread of Christianity throughout Northumbria in England during that time.
In literature, there are several characters named Aiden, including the main protagonist in the popular novel "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. This further helped to increase the name's popularity and recognition worldwide.
Today, Aiden is ranked among the top 100 baby names for boys in various countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Its popularity can be attributed to its unique sound, Irish heritage, and association with positive traits due to its historical figures.
Overall, Aiden is a strong and distinctive name that carries the rich history of Ireland while also sounding contemporary and appealing to parents around the world.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe a fascinating trend in the popularity of the name Aiden over several decades in the United States.
In the early years (1970-1985), the number of babies named Aiden was relatively low, ranging from just 6 to 19 births per year. However, starting from 1988, we begin to see a significant increase in the popularity of this name.
The turning point seems to be around 1992, with 39 births that year, marking the start of a consistent upward trend in Aiden's popularity. This trend accelerated dramatically between 1994 and 2000, with the number of babies named Aiden increasing more than sevenfold, from 86 to 881 births per year.
From 2000 onwards, Aiden's popularity reached unprecedented heights in the United States. It became one of the top boys' names, consistently ranking among the top five most popular names between 2005 and 2013. During this period, over 14,000 babies were named Aiden annually, with a peak of 16,027 births in 2009.
Interestingly, while Aiden's popularity has remained high since then, it has begun to decline slightly from its peak. Between 2014 and 2023, the number of babies named Aiden has decreased by approximately 50%, with around 6,700 births annually as of 2023.
These statistics reflect the dynamic nature of naming trends in the United States. Despite a recent decline, Aiden remains one of the most popular boys' names, reflecting its enduring appeal among parents over several decades.