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The surname Aiken, particularly of Irish descent, has an interesting history rooted in the cultural and linguistic tapestry of Ireland. Originally, this name is derived from the old Norse personal name "Eiðekn," which later evolved in the Irish context. The Norse influence on Irish names is a result of the Viking invasions and settlements in Ireland that began around the late 8th century.

In the Irish context, the name Aiken is often considered a variant of the more common Irish surname "Egan," which itself is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "Mac Aodhagáin." This Gaelic name means "son of Aodh," with "Aodh" being an old Irish name referring to the ancient Celtic god of fire and youth. The Mac Aodhagáin family were a noted scholarly clan, traditionally serving as lawyers, poets, and historians in Irish society.

As with many Irish surnames, the Anglicization process significantly altered the original Gaelic names. This process was particularly pronounced during and after the 17th century when English rule imposed the use of the English language, and many Gaelic names were translated or adapted to English phonetics.

The surname Aiken, in its various forms, has spread beyond Ireland, especially to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Its journey reflects the broader patterns of Irish emigration, often driven by economic necessity and historical upheavals like the Great Famine of the mid-19th century.

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