Ariel: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Ariel mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Hebrew: Lion of God; like a beautiful melody
English: Ethereal or angelic being

Gender: Unisex

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Ariel is pronounced air-ee-uhl

The name Ariel has Hebrew origins and means "Lion of God." It is often thought of as both powerful and ethereal, capturing a sense of divine strength and otherworldly grace. While it has strong Biblical ties, Ariel is widely recognised through various cultural references, adding to its enduring appeal. It is comprised of the Hebrew elements of 'ari, meaning "lion" and 'el, meaning "God." In the Old Testament, Ariel was used as a name for Jerusalem.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Jewish: from the Biblical place name Ariel, said to mean "lion of God" in Hebrew. It is mentioned in the prophecies of Ezra (8:16) and Isaiah (29:1–2).

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Cybill Shepherd

Ariel in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Ariel from The Little Mermaid - A curious mermaid princess who dreams of living on land.
Ariel from The Tempest - A spirited and magical servant in Shakespeare's play.
Ariel Moore from Footloose - A rebellious teenager who loves dancing.
Ariel from Thundarr the Barbarian - A sorceress companion in this post-apocalyptic animated series.
Ariel from Forever Knight - A vampire character in the Canadian TV series.

Popularity of the Name Ariel

According to Social Security Administration data, Ariel has seen varying levels of popularity in the U.S. over the years. It had a notable rise in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, influenced by cultural factors like Disney's The Little Mermaid (1989) where Ariel is the name of the iconic mermaid princess.

Historically, Ariel is also a name found in literature, most prominently in William Shakespeare's play The Tempest, where Ariel is a spirit who serves Prospero. It's also a Biblical name, representing the messenger of Ezra, as well as a symbolic name for the city of Jerusalem. Other notable figures named Ariel include Ariel Sharon, the former Prime Minister of Israel, and Ariel Winter, an American actress known for her role on the TV series Modern Family. The name has maintained a presence in popular culture and continues to be a choice for parents looking for a name with both literary and modern appeal.