Interestingly, the first syllable is traditionally pronounced as “EE” or “UH” as opposed to “AY” as I pronounce it (Rosenkrantz). Even though I don’t pronounce my name in the traditional way, I still feel like the meaning of my name fits me well. I can be very intense or “fiery” about topics that I find important. Also, my family has Irish heritage, so it makes sense for my name to reflect that. 

My mom says she named me Aidan because she liked the way it sounded and it was unique, at least to her growing up. As it happens, lots of other moms also decided they liked Aidan and its varitations (Aiden/Ayden/Aidyn) too. It makes a lot of sense that it sounded unique to her considering that my name wasn’t very popular in the U.S. for most of her life. According to U.S. census data, the name Aidan hit peak popularity in 2003 and 2004, the year I was born (Social Security Administration). In 2002, a horror movie named The Ring was produced, and it made over $128.6 million in the box office. That is to say, The Ring was an extremely popular movie in the early 2000s. One of the main characters in The Ring was named Aidan, so this likely could have caused the increased popularity in the following years. Even though this certainly isn’t the reason my mother named me “Aidan,” it very well could be the reason that she had the idea in the first place. 

In conclusion, Aidan is an Irish name, derived from the name of the Celtic sun god Aodhán. It became very popular in the U.S. in the early 2000s, but now the alternate spelling Aiden is more popular. The horror movie The Ring is a possible explanation for that dramatic rise in popularity, even though it ultimately isn’t the reason I was named Aidan. I’m proud to know more about the origins of my name. It gives more context as to why I have met so many similarly aged Aidans (and Aidens, Aydens, etc.) during my life, and it has made me feel closer to my Irish heritage. 

Works Cited

Kihm, Sophie. “Aidan Origin and Meaning.” Nameberry, nameberry.com/b/boy-baby-name-aidan. Accessed 10 February 2024.

Rosenkrantz, Linda. “Aodh Origin and Meaning.” Nameberry, nameberry.com/b/boy-baby-name-aodh. Accessed 10 February 2024.

Social Security Administration. www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames. Accessed 10 February 2024.