Aaron Name Meaning

Little boy drawing with colored pencils

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Aaron is a Hebrew name typically given to boys. It means “exalted” or “strong.” It has also been interpreted to mean “teacher” or “mountain of strength.” While it’s spelled Aharon in Hebrew, the “h” is dropped in the Greek variation. Aaron is the version that has been adapted in English. In Arabic, the name means “messenger.”

The origin of the name has often been debated: While some people trace it to Hebrew origins, other people think that it may be from Greece or Ancient Egypt. 

Aaron is also a religious name. In the Quran, Bible, and the Torah, it’s the name given to the brother of Moses.  As the older brother of Moses, Aaron was at his brother’s right-hand side as they appealed to the Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. He was subsequently appointed as the first high priest of the Israelites.

The name has also been thought to be a variant of Haran who was the older brother of Abraham in the bible. Aaron is an intriguing name and it’s often used by writers and creatives. You can find the name in the works of Shakespeare and George Elliot. 

  • Origin: The name Aaron is of Hebrew origins. The name was originally spelled Aharon in Hebrew, but when adopted by the Greeks the “h” was dropped resulting in the name Aaron. 
  • Gender: Aaron has predominantly been a masculine name given to boys since its earliest use. However, the name Aaron can also be used in a feminine sense. It is typically spelled "Erin" when used for females.
  • Pronunciation: aa-run

Although many baby names are separated by gender, Verywell Family believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.

How Popular Is the Name Aaron? 

The name peaked in popularity in 1994 when it was the 28th most popular name; however, it has remained in the top 50 list of most popular names for boys in the United States for several years.

According to 2020 data from the Social Security Administration, Aaron is the 63rd most popular name for boys in the United States. It has remained consistently popular and has been in the top 50 most popular names for boys for decades. 

Name Variations 

Aaron has several name variations in many cultures. Some of the most common include: 

  • Aaro (Finnish) 
  • Aaran (Yiddish)
  • Aharon (Hebrew) 
  • Aron (Croatian) 
  • Arron (English)
  • Haroon (Urdu) 
  • Haroun (Arabic)
  • Harouna (West African)
  • Harun (Arabic) 
  • Haruna (Fula) 

Similar Names

If you like the name Aaron but are still on the fence about picking it for your baby, here are some other similar names to consider: 

  • Adam
  • Alex
  • Andrew
  • Benjamin 
  • Christopher
  • Daniel 
  • David
  • Dylan
  • Ethan
  • Jacob
  • Leah
  • Mattew
  • Nathan
  • Nicholas
  • Zachary 

Suggested Sibling Names 

If you want to give your other children names that have a similar feel to Aaron, here are some sibling names to think about:

  • Abigail
  • Asher
  • Brianna
  • Caleb
  • Hannah
  • Isaac
  • Jacob 
  • Liam
  • Noah
  • Olivia
  • Ryan 
  • Sarah

Famous People Named Aaron    

Here’s a list of famous people who are also named Aaron: 

  • Aaron Burr, American politician, lawyer, and former vice president of the United States 
  • Aaron Carter, American rapper, singer, and songwriter 
  • Aaron Eckhart, American actor 
  • Aaron Finch, Australian cricket player 
  • Aaron Holiday, American basketball player 
  • Aaron Krickstein, American tennis player 
  • Aaron Lewis, American singer, songwriter, and member of the band Staind 
  • Elvis Aaron Presley, American singer typically referred to as the King of Rock and Roll 

More Baby Names

Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options: 

1 Source
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  1. Social Security Administration. Popular Baby Names.

By Toketemu Ohwovoriole
Toketemu has been multimedia storyteller for the last four years. Her expertise focuses primarily on mental wellness and women’s health topics.