The aura of Ariana: A beloved name
You might be considering the name Ariana for your little one — if so, you’re choosing a name with modern charm and diverse historical roots.
Ariana is a name of Italian origin, meaning “most holy”.
Popularity of the name Ariana
It has seen a fascinating journey in terms of popularity. Traditionally, it wasn’t a chart-topper, but it has steadily gained favor.
In recent years, especially in the 2010s, Ariana grew in popularity, thanks in part to high-profile celebrities bearing the name.
In the United States, it experienced a significant surge in the 21st century.
The name peaked at the 30th most popular name for baby girls in 2014 and has consistently ranked in the top 40th to 100th most popular names during the first two decades of the 21st century.
Recent data shows that in 2022, Ariana ranked as the 90th most popular name.
Ariana in the spotlight
- Ariana Grande: Arguably the most notable celebrity with this name, an acclaimed singer and actress.
- Ariana DeBose: An American actress, singer, and dancer.
- Ariana Berlin: An American gymnast and actor.
- Ariana Chris: A Canadian opera singer.
- Ariana Richards: An American actress and painter, remembered for her role in “Jurassic Park”.
- Arianna Huffington: A co-founder of the Huffington Post.
- Arianna Fontana: An Italian short-track speed skater.
Nicknames and variations
Ariana offers a variety of nicknames and variations, allowing for a personalized touch. Common nicknames include:
- Ari
- Riana
- Ana
Some modern variants of spelling include:
- Aryana
- Arianna
- Aryanna
Masculine and feminine variations, as well as international adaptations, include:
- Arian (masculine form)
- Ariane (French)
- Ariadna (Spanish and Slavic)
Pronunciation of Ariana
Ariana is typically pronounced as “Ah-ree-AH-nah”, with emphasis on the second syllable.
It’s a three-syllable name that rhymes with “Ghana”.
Common mispronunciations might include stressing the first syllable or pronouncing the last part as “Anna” instead of “Ah-nah”.
Similar sounding names
If you’re drawn to the sound of Ariana but are still exploring options, consider these similar names:
- Ariadne
- Adriana
- Mariana
- Aria
- Ariella
Each of these names shares the lyrical quality of Ariana, offering a similar melodic resonance.
Origins of Ariana
Ariana’s etymology is rooted in ancient languages.
In Ancient Greek, Ariana is the Latinized form of the name Ἀριάδνη, or Ariadne.
In Greek mythology, Ariadne is the daughter of King Minos and Queen Pasiphaë of Crete.
Her role in assisting Theseus in defeating the Minotaur within the labyrinth brings forth connotations of intelligence and resourcefulness.
This mythological association has been a muse for art, literature, and theater.
During Greek and Roman times, the name Ariana signified a significant geographical region encompassing parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.
This area, known for its rich cultural heritage, thrived as a hub for trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
In Persian history, the region of Ariana was central to the Achaemenid Empire, renowned for its art, architecture and intellectual pursuits.
In the Avestan language, used in ancient Persia, it translates to “noble” or “pure”, symbolizing honor and purity.
This association with nobility also extends to Sanskrit, the language of vital Hindu scriptures, where ‘Arya‘ denotes nobility or honor.
Ariana also has a place in Welsh culture, where it is seen as an elaboration of the Welsh word ‘arian‘, meaning “silver”.
