Aengus

Aengus is a Gaelic given name of Irish and Scottish usage, Anglicized from the Old Irish name Aonghus. It is often associated with both mythological and early Christian contexts. Variant spellings include Aonghus, Aonghous, Angus, and Anghus. The name is commonly understood to derive from elements that are typically interpreted as meaning “one strength” or “one choice,” though exact etymology is debated.

In Irish mythology, Angus Óg (Aengus the Young) is a prominent figure in the mythological cycle. He is described as a son of the Dagda and Boann and a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, frequently linked with youth, beauty, and love. Tales about him emphasize romantic pursuits and magical aids, including his association with poetic inspiration and enchantment. One well-known narrative is The Wooing of Etain, in which Angus seeks to win the fairy queen Etain. The character also appears in later literary adaptations, notably in William Butler Yeats’s The Song of Wandering Aengus, where the figure serves as a symbol of longing and pursuit.

In Christian Ireland, the name Aengus was borne by several saints, reflecting its continued use in Gaelic-speaking communities. While specific biographical details vary by source, these saints helped sustain the name’s cultural presence beyond myth.

Today, Aengus remains in use as a given name in Ireland, Scotland, and among Gaelic communities, with contemporary spellings including Aonghus and Angus. It is also encountered in literature and popular culture as a reference to the mythic figure and its associations with youth, love, and imagination.