Ariel Name Meaning and Origin

Derived from Hebrew origin, Ariel is a given name that is comprised of the Hebrew elements ari, “lion,” and el, “God,” meaning “lion of God.” Ariel was used as a symbolic name for the city of Jerusalem in the Old Testament. Although in Modern Hebrew, Ariel was primarily used as a male name, it is commonly used as a female name in recent years in the English-speaking countries of the world. The female form (transliterated as Ariela, Ariella, or the alternative English and French spelling Arielle). Ariel also appears as a surname. The Biblical place name Ariel is mentioned in the prophecies of Ezra (8:16) and Isaiah (29:1–2) and means’ light or lion of God’. Ariel also appears as an airy mischievous spirit in William Shakespeare’s play ‘The Tempest.’

What Does Ariel Mean?

The meaning of Ariel translates into ‘hero’ or ‘lion of God.’ It may be mean ‘alter hearth,’ which would make sense given the Biblical significance of the name. Since Archangel Ariel is associated with Mother Earth and nature, she is also called the ‘lioness of God.’ She is given the supreme responsibility of looking after and overseeing the natural world.

Origin

Since the ’90s, Ariel has been more like the “mermaid of Neptune.” Ariel originated as a traditional given name in the Jewish community. Ariella was its feminine form. Today, it is considered a unisex name with an easy, breezy, and wistful feel.

Gender

Female

Pronunciation

• AYR-ee-ul
• air-ee-ell
• arr-ee-ell
• A-riel

Syllables

3 syllables

Length/Letter

5 letters

Name Variations/Spellings

Name variations allow a child to choose between an original or an alternative that has gained prominence in other languages and cultures. Here are a few Ariel name variations and other spellings for Ariel that have become trendier with time:

How Popular Is the Name Ariel?

According to Social Security Administration data, the Ariel baby name ranking has stayed consistently in the top 200 names until 2002. It entered the chart briefly in 2007 and again in 2012 before reaching its peak rank of 133 in 2014. The Ariel popularity ranking settled at 232 as per the latest search record of 2021. This name has become popular in present times as the mermaid’s name in Walt Disney’s cartoon movie ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Ariel is also associated with the poetry of Sylvia Plath, the Chilean-American writer Ariel Dorfman, and historian Ariel Durant, born Ida Ariel Ethel.

Interest in Ariel – Worldwide

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As per the search trends data, interest for the name Ariel shows a consistent value of over 50 over the last ten years, reaching 100 in Jan 2014. The lowest value recorded was 41 in December 2020.

Interest in Ariel – US

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Search trends for the name Ariel have recorded a consistent search value of over 30 reaching 100 in May 2013. The lowest value was recorded in December 2020 at just 30.

Popularity of name Ariel 

URL: https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/babyname.cgi

Where Is the Name Most Searched?

Search trends of Ariel Worldwide

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Search trends for the name Ariel reflect the highest interest in Cote d’Ivoire over the last decade. Countries like Indonesia, Argentina, Mexico, and Paraguay follow close behind. As the majority of the population of Cote d’Ivoire are Christian by faith, a Hebrew name with Biblical connotation has gained maximum prominence there.

Search trends of Ariel in the US

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Connecticut leads the search trends among the sub-regions of the US for the name Ariel over the past decade. Massachusetts, District of Columbia, Vermont, and New York have secured the top 5 positions.

Middle Names That Go With Ariel

The middle name decision carries almost as much weight as the first name for the current generation of parents. Here are some of the best double names with Ariel that offer exciting choices.

Famous People Named Ariel

Celebrities who walk the hall of fame leave footsteps for others to follow. Parents inspired by the great achievements of these personalities can refer to the list of popular personalities called Ariel given below:

Similar Names & Last Names

Baby names like Ariel may evoke the same spirit of the name to lure attention. Ariel’s family names may help identify a person among others in society and generate a sense of belonging. Here are some of the other names for Ariel that might help to distinguish your child’s identity.

Names That Sound Like Ariel

Names that rhyme with Ariel can be poetic monikers that be meaningful as well as lyrical. A name like Ariel can have a similar cool vibe and easy spelling. Here are some names that sound like Ariel:

Sibling Names Related to Ariel

Sibling names can be coordinated with the same letter is a fun family tradition. Here are some of the best sibling names that go with a name like Ariel.

Nicknames for Ariel

Nicknames are incredibly intimate monikers that can be great treasures of childhood. No matter what nicknames we give them, they are sure to become adorable terms that will stay with them throughout their lives. Here are some of the best nicknames for Ariel that can be used for both genders.

Ariel is a good choice for intelligent, fun-loving, and generous kids, especially those seeking adventurous lives and craving to discover new things. As per the records, Ariel has sometimes been popular as a girl’s name and sometimes as a boy’s name. Even with the downward drift in its popularity, the style and grace inherent in this Biblical name help it stay relevant among the believers of the Christian faith in the present times.

Sources/References

Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/babyname.cgi
Ariel Name Popularity in the United States: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2011-09-19%202021-06-11&geo=US&q=Ariel
Ariel Name Popularity Across The World: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2011-09-19%202021-06-11&q=Ariel
Ariel Name Interest in the United States: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2011-09-19%202021-06-11&geo=US&q=Ariel
Ariel Name Interest Across the World: https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2011-09-19%202021-06-11&q=Ariel