National Aidan Day, celebrated on May 6, is a day to acknowledge and glorify all the individuals around the world who bear the Irish-derived name Aidan. It is a day that makes all Aidans and their variants feel euphoric. The name Aidan is a modern version of a Celtic language name, including the Irish Aodhán, Scottish Aodhàn, and Welsh Aeddan. It was initially a European name and only began to reach other parts of the world during the Irish Great Migration. A surprising fact is that it is now more popular in the West than in Europe.
History of National Aidan Day
The origin of the name Aidan is primarily associated with the Irish. Accordingly, the name has also spread to other close European nations and to other continents where the Irish and British impacts have been felt. Popular among those nations are the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and so on. As the name reached other places, it got modified and popularized. For example, in the 20th century, it became popular in the U.S. because it resembled names like Hayden and Braden, the latter of which became a variant of the original name.In Canada, Aidan, or its common variant Aiden, was the most popular boy’s name in 2007. It was surprising that ‘Aiden’ became more popular than ‘Aidan’ in America. During the 2010s, ‘Aiden’ was the 13th most popular name, with around 129,433 boys given the name, while ‘Aidan’ was the 156th most popular with only about 26,000 named boys. This shows the adoption of other variants of the name over its original imported form. It was the 43rd most popular boy’s name in Northern Ireland in 2011, the 22nd in Scotland in 2002, the 91st in England in 2010, and the 53rd in Australia in 2007. Although the variations of the name mostly involve changing the spelling, they are many and include Aidin, Ayden, Aydin, Aedan, Aidyn, and Aadyn. All of these variants are less likely used by Americans in the 21st century.Some of the famous people who bear the name include the 7th-century Irish monk; St. Aidan of Lindisfarne, who is credited with converting the ‘stubborn’ Anglo-Saxons to Christianity in Northumbria. Others include the actors Aidan Quinn, who is widely acclaimed; Aidan Devine; Aidan Gillet, and the European football stars Aidan Price, the retired Irish footballer, and Aidan Palmer.
National Aidan Day timeline
St. Aidan of Lindisfarne becomes a bishop.
Adam Price wins the Shamrock Rovers Player of the Year award.
The iconic actor wins the Irish Film & Television Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role-Film for his performance in the movie “Eclipse.”
The young American actor appears in a minor role in an episode of “Modern Family.”
National Aidan Day FAQs
Is Aidan a good name?
Generally, Aidan is considered a good name as can be seen from the variations lovers of the name created over the years.
Can Aidan be a girl name?
There are no problems naming your girl child Aidan. For one thing, it would make the girl a subject of curiosity which can draw positive fame to her.
How do you pronounce Aidan?
The name is pronounced with two syllables.
National Aidan Day Activities
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Name your baby boy
Align your male child's future by giving him the popular name Aidan or any of its variants. Tell him the history behind it when he’s older.
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Reach out to Aidans
Send lovely texts, and emails, and call all the Aidans, Aidens, Aydins, and all other variants you know. Make them feel special on their day.
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Strive to be as great as the famous Aidans
Celebrate this Day by resolving to become as great as one of the famous Aidans. It could be the famous seventh-century priest or the more modern ones we know of.
5 Facts About Aidans That You Should Know
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Most common alternative spelling
The most common alternative spelling of the name is Aiden.
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A diminutive of Aodh
Aidan is a diminutive of the Irish name ‘Aodh’ which means ‘Fire.’
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Rarely a feminine name
The name is rarely given to female children.
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People's perception
Around 1,000 people revealed that Aidan is a good, masculine, wholesome, and strong name.
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Majorly film stars
A vast majority of the popular Aidans alive are movie stars.
Why We Love National Aidan Day
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The name signifies holiness
To the English, Aidan signifies holiness. We love it for its holy attribution and equally extol St. Aidan for his religious contributions.
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It increases the name's popularity
Celebrating the day shoots up the popularity of all Aidans. It even spreads recognition of the ones that aren't popular initially.
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It keeps us informed
The day's celebration makes us aware of the profession, achievements, and facts about the most prominent figures bearing the name Aidan. Take some time out today to research famous Aidans.
National Aidan Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 6 | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 6 | Monday |
| 2025 | May 6 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | May 6 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | May 6 | Thursday |
