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Aaron

♂ Boy

Pronounced AIR-un /ˈɛr.ən/High

Meaning: High mountain; exalted; strongMedium

In 30 seconds: A distinguished Hebrew name of uncertain origin — possibly 'high mountain' or 'exalted.' As brother of Moses in the Bible, Aaron has been a perennial English-speaking favorite since the Reformation.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningHigh mountain; exalted; strong
Peak year1989
Total births (all-time)≈ 575,297

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198918802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Aaron appears in the Hebrew Bible as the elder brother of Moses and the first High Priest of Israel. The precise etymology is disputed — proposed meanings include 'high mountain,' 'exalted,' 'strong,' and possibly an Egyptian loanword.

The name spread through Jewish and Christian tradition and became common in the English-speaking world after the Protestant Reformation. It was a top-50 U.S. boys' name for much of the late 20th century.

Did you know? The exact meaning of Aaron is debated among scholars; some propose an Egyptian origin rather than Hebrew.

Variations

AronAharonHaroun

Nicknames

RonRonnie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Aaron (Biblical) (dates uncertain)
    Elder brother of Moses and first High Priest of Israel in the Hebrew Bible.
  • ★Hank Aaron (1934–2021)
    American baseball player who held the MLB home run record for 33 years.

If you like Aaron…

Eli— short Hebrew Biblical name with the same ancient gravitas
Caleb— another Old Testament classic with the same dependable character
Nathan— Hebrew Biblical name with the same two-syllable steady feel
Adam— foundational Hebrew Biblical name with similar simplicity

Frequently Asked

What does the name Aaron mean?

Aaron is of Hebrew origin with a disputed meaning; it is most often interpreted as 'high mountain,' 'exalted,' or 'strong.'

How do you pronounce Aaron?

It is said AIR-un /ˈɛr.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Aaron a boy or girl name?

Aaron is predominantly a boy's name, though the spelling Erin is sometimes used for girls.

How popular is Aaron?

Aaron was a top-50 U.S. boys' name for much of the 1980s and 1990s and remains in the top 100 today.