Aerin
Primarily a girl's name of Irish origin with 932 recorded births. Also given to 16 boys.
Meaning & Origin
Aerin has 932 recorded U.S. births across 48+ years, peaking at 54 in 2008. It occupies the space between “never heard of it” and “everyone has one in their class” — a name that feels personal without being obscure.
In the most recent SSA release, Aerin ranks #6617 among U.S. girl names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Aerin is a girl's and boy's baby name of Irish origin, a variant of Erin, from the Irish Éire, the poetic Gaelic name for Ireland, meaning 'from Ireland' or 'Ireland's daughter' — or in some usages, connected to the Tolkien character Aerindel from Middle-earth.
With nearly 935 recorded births, Aerin is a distinctive variant of Erin that adds the letter 'a' to the beginning for a more unusual visual character. Erin has been one of the most beloved Irish-heritage names in America for generations — a simple, direct declaration of Celtic identity and pride. Aerin Lauder, the designer and granddaughter of Estée Lauder, has made the name known in fashion and beauty circles.
EtymologyShow more
Aerin first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1976. First appearing in the 1970s, Aerin emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Irish classification suggests a path from irish linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Aerin was #3749 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #6617, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 104 | #5835 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 266 | #5232 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 325 | #4428 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 155 | #7161 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 56 | #8833 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 26 | #6880 | — |
The Story of Aerin
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2008, Aerin is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Aerin are most likely born between 1998 and 2018.
How rare is Aerin?
Only about 1 in every 211,765 babies born in 2024 was named Aerin — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1976, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2000s with 325 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Aerin by the numbers
- Would fill 19 school buses
- Meeting one Aerin per day would take 2.6 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(46 years, 1976–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 | #6617 |
| 2023 | 19 | #6168 |
| 2022 | 20 | #5982 |
| 2021 | 25 | #5091 |
| 2020 | 23 | #5318 |
| 2019 | 35 | #4072 |
| 2018 | 30 | #4561 |
| 2017 | 37 | #3999 |
| 2016 | 27 | #4994 |
| 2015 | 18 | #6725 |
| 2014 | 26 | #5165 |
| 2013 | 24 | #5492 |
| 2012 | 20 | #6344 |
| 2011 | 24 | #5547 |
| 2010 | 25 | #5419 |
| 2009 | 32 | #4574 |
| 2008 | 54 | #3120 |
| 2007 | 32 | #4567 |
| 2006 | 28 | #4954 |
| 2005 | 26 | #4959 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Aerin as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Aerin has also been given to 16 boys in the U.S. since 1998.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aerin a boy's or girl's name?
When was Aerin most popular?
How popular is the name Aerin?
Can Aerin be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1976–2024