Aengus is a rare and unique male given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Old Irish word "Aengus," which means "one aspect of the god of love." According to Celtic mythology, Aengus was a poet, lover, and harpist who had the ability to change into various forms such as swans, birds, and boars. He was also known as the god of youth, fertility, and inspiration.
The name Aengus has a rich history in Irish literature and folklore. It appears in the medieval Irish tale "The Wooing of Étain," where he is depicted as a suitor for the beautiful Étain. In this story, Aengus demonstrates his poetic skills by composing a series of love poems to win her heart.
In addition to its literary significance, the name Aengus has also been used in Ireland throughout history. It was borne by several historical figures, including a 9th-century king of Connacht and an 11th-century bishop of Clonfert.
Today, Aengus remains a relatively uncommon but intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child. Its unique sound and rich cultural heritage make it a memorable option with deep roots in Irish tradition.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Aengus has seen varied usage in the United States over the past couple of decades. The first recorded birth with this name was in 1996, with five babies given the name that year.
The following years saw fluctuating numbers:
- Two more births occurred in 2000 (seven total)
- There were five births again in 2001
- Eight babies were named Aengus in 2003
After a brief dip, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Aengus in 2006 with ten births recorded that year. This trend continued with nine births each in 2008 and 2009.
In 2010, there were six births before a notable spike occurred from 2012 onwards. Two years consecutively saw thirteen births each (2012 and 2013), followed by twenty births in 2014, which marks the highest recorded number of babies named Aengus in this dataset.
However, the numbers decreased afterwards with nine births in both 2015 and 2017. There was another spike in 2016 with eighteen births, but the numbers dipped again to five births each in 2018 and 2023.
Recently, there has been a resurgence of the name's popularity, with nine births recorded both in 2021 and 2022. Overall, since 1996 until 2023, there have been a total of 194 babies named Aengus born in the United States.
These statistics demonstrate that while the name Aengus has not consistently been one of the most popular choices for parents in the U.S., it has maintained a steady presence over time, with periods of higher popularity interspersed with years of lower usage.