National Aiden Day honors Aiden, a modernized variant of the Irish name Aodhán. Originating from the Celtic deity of sun and fire, Aiden is a vivacious name that conjures up images of energy and warmth. Aiden was not widely widespread in the U.S. until the early 2000s.
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National Aiden Day 2024: Every year on January 23, people celebrate National Aiden Day in remembrance of all those with the name Aiden. The modernized forms of the Irish male given name “Aodhán,” the Scottish Gaelic name “Aodhàn,” and the Welsh name “Aeddan” are Aidan or Aiden. Phonetic variants, such as spelling with a “e” instead of an “a,” have become more prevalent since the Irish Great Migration of the nineteenth century. Once exclusive to Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, the name and its derivatives are now common in England, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The Gaelic name “Aiden” can be used for either gender and means “small flames.” It is a contemporary take on the ancient Irish name Aodhán, which is derived from the word “aodh” (which meaning “fire”). Irish mythology tells of the love affair between the soil goddess, Ila, and the Celtic god of fire and sun, Odh.
Aiden is a vibrant name that makes you think of warmth and vitality, which makes it a great option for your little firecracker. The word “Aodh” is the root of the word “Aed.” The base nouns derive the diminutive forms Aedan and Aodhan. Whereas Aiden is an Americanized version of Aodhan, Aidan is an anglicized version.
Aodhan was the name of numerous early Irish saints as well as several ancient Irish high rulers. Among the most well-known is St. Aidan Naomh Aodhán of Iona, Scotland, who converted the heathen Saxons of England to Christianity and founded a monastery in Northumbria in the seventh century. According to legend, Saint Aidan was a powerful and compassionate man who helped people with low-income and freed bondmen. Nowadays, many people are named Aiden. But in the United States, it wasn’t common until the early 2000s. Aiden did not rank among the top 1,000 baby boy names in the United States before 1995.
Individuals can recognize the saint or martyr they are named after to celebrate their name day. You can alternatively spend today reading a story about the saint or, if one is available, attending a religious ceremony.
To celebrate, a large group of people, particularly parents, siblings, and grandparents, can cook a special feast. Have fun as a group and allow the person receiving the honor to decide on the dinner menu.
Many cultures celebrate name days by receiving gifts from the person being honored.
National Carson Day 2023: Date, History, Activities, Names
Many European societies celebrate name days on par with or even more highly than birthdays. They give religious individuals a means of paying respect to the saints who share their names.
Individuals who are lucky enough to have their birthday and name day fall on the same day enjoy two distinct celebrations each year. Twice a year, you get to celebrate your existence.
The day is dedicated to helping others feel unique and like they belong. On their name day, everyone who shares a name honors and celebrates that one trait.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | January 23 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | January 23 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January 23 | Friday |
| 2027 | January 23 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 23 | Sunday |
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