Aiden is a modern spelling variation of Aidan, which has deep roots in Irish history and mythology. The original name comes from Aodh, the ancient Celtic god of fire and the sun. Aodhán developed as a diminutive, meaning 'little fire.' The name was borne by early Irish saints, most notably Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne, a 7th-century Irish monk. While Aidan is the traditional spelling, Aiden gained enormous popularity in the United States starting in the early 2000s, driven in part by the character Aidan Shaw on the television series Sex and the City. The spelling Aiden became so popular that it entered the top 10 boy names in the United States, eventually becoming the preferred spelling for many parents. Aiden's appeal comes from its warm meaning, its accessible sound, and its modern feel while still carrying ancient roots.