Aden has two unique origin stories as a name—it’s related to the name Adin, which appears in the Bible in association with a tribe of exiles. And it’s also become popular recently as an alternative spelling to the uberpopular Irish name Aidan, which means “little and fiery.” Aden is more commonly a boy’s name, but it can be used for girls as well.
Famous Adens include a series of African politicians, including Aden Adde, the first president of Somalia.
If you’re looking at other spellings like Aden, you have quite a few to pick from—including Aidan, Aiden, and Ayden. (And don’t forget all the popular rhyming cousins, like Jayden, Braden, Caden, and Zaden.)
If you like the Biblical side of the name, some other Biblical options in the same vein include Abel, Amal, Anan, Enos, Linus, and Timon. If you’re considering Aden as an Irish name, think names like Ailin, Blaine, Brady, Carson, Ciaran, Colin, Colm, Curran, Declan, Edan, Egan, Fallon, Finn, Keenan, Kian, Liam, Niall, Rian, Rowan, and Shane.
Aden was used a small bit in the late 1800s, then reentered the top 1000 baby names in 2000, right as Aidan was taking off. It had a big burst of popularity in the 2004-2006 era, when it hit the top 250 baby names. Since then, it’s fallen off into the 600-range in popularity.
Aden in quotes:
“Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him 50 males.”— Ezra 8:6
Meanings
Hebrew Baby Names Meaning:
In Hebrew Baby Names the meaning of the name Aden is: Attractive; handsome; pleasure given. Adin was a biblical exile who returned to Israel from Babylon.
American Baby Names Meaning:
In American Baby Names the meaning of the name Aden is: Attractive; handsome; pleasure given. Adin was a biblical exile who returned to Israel from Babylon.
Irish Baby Names Meaning:
In Irish Baby Names the meaning of the name Aden is: Variant spelling of Aidan, which means "fiery"