Aaron

Aaron is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical Aharon, the elder brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. The exact meaning is uncertain; traditional interpretations often link it to ideas of exaltation, illumination, or leadership. The name spread through Christian and secular contexts, with common English spellings such as Aaron, and variants including Aron and Aharon.

In the Hebrew Bible, Aaron serves as Moses’ spokesperson and as the architect of the priesthood, establishing the Aaronic priesthood and priestly duties for Israel. He is a central figure in Judaism and is recognized in Christianity as the priestly founder and in Islam as Harun, a prophet in some traditions.

In modern times, Aaron remains a widely used given name across many countries and languages. Notable individuals with the name include the American composer Aaron Copland, actor Aaron Paul, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, MLB outfielder Aaron Judge, and the historical figure Aaron Burr, a former U.S. vice president. The name also appears in various cultural forms and has regional equivalents such as Aron or Harun, reflecting its cross-cultural adoption.