Aongus

Aongus is a masculine given name of Gaelic origin, most commonly found in Ireland and Scotland. It is a variant of Aonghus (also spelled Aonghas or Aonghus) and is related to the Anglicized form Angus. In Irish and Scottish contexts, Aongus appears in literature and genealogical records, with the spelling reflecting Gaelic orthography and pronunciation.

Etymology of Aongus is uncertain, but it is typically analyzed as arising from Old Irish elements that convey notions of strength or valor. Common scholarly readings connect the name to meanings such as “one strength” or “one vigor,” though alternative interpretations exist. The form Aonghus is the traditional Irish spelling, while Aongus is one Anglicized variant.

In Irish mythology, Aonghus (often rendered as Aengus Óg, or Angus Óg) is a figure associated with youth, love, and poetic inspiration. Descriptions vary, but he is commonly portrayed as a son of the Dagda and a prominent deity or heroic figure within the mythological cycle. The tales of Óengus mac Óg, including motifs of longing and the Otherworld, have helped shape the cultural resonance of the name in later periods.

Modern usage notes that Aongus remains a recognizable, though relatively uncommon, given name in Ireland and among Gaelic-speaking communities. It coexists with related forms such as Aonghus, Aengus, and Angus, each reflecting different linguistic and cultural traditions.