Aidan is an appealing Irish saint's name that zoomed up the popularity lists, jumping four hundred places in a decade. Though it has been overtaken by variant spelling Aiden, the original Aidan is worth considering before selecting one of its offshoots: Caden, Brayden, et al.

Aidan was originally a pet form of the Irish name Aodh (pronounced 'ee'), the name of the old Celtic god of the sun and fire. The name was borne by numerous early Irish saints, one of whom was noted for his kindness and generosity.

Aidan was first introduced into the mainstream American consciousness by actor Aidan Quinn, and was given a definite bounce by the appealing Aidan on Sex and the City.