"lion of God"
Ariella
Pronunciation: [ ahr-ee-EHL-uh ]
The lioness of God — fierce, radiant, and eternal
Meaning & Origin
"lioness of God"
The Story of Ariella
Ariella is a feminine elaboration of the Hebrew name Ariel, meaning 'lion of God' — composed of 'ari' (lion) and 'El' (God). Ariel appears in the Hebrew Bible as a poetic name for Jerusalem in the Book of Isaiah (29:1-2), and as an angelic name in extra-biblical Jewish texts. The -ella suffix adds femininity and an Italian flair, creating a name that bridges ancient Hebrew tradition with Mediterranean lyrical beauty.
Ariella entered the US top 500 in 2012 and has been rising steadily, benefiting from the enormous popularity of Isabella, Gabriella, and Ariana. Its Hebrew roots appeal to Jewish families seeking something more feminine than Ariel while its melodic sound attracts broader interest.
The name Ariel holds deep significance in Jewish culture as a poetic name for Jerusalem itself. In secular Western culture, Disney's The Little Mermaid (1989) made Ariel a household name, and Ariella is widely seen as a more elaborate, adult-appropriate variant. Shakespeare's spirit Ariel in The Tempest also contributes literary dimension.
Fun Facts
- Ariel is one of the poetic names for Jerusalem in the Book of Isaiah, used in prophecies of its restoration
- Shakespeare's Ariel in The Tempest (1611) is one of literature's most beloved supernatural characters
- Ariella entered the US top 500 for the first time in 2012, following the enormous popularity of Isabella
Ariella in Other Languages
Famous People Named Ariella
Ariel Sharon
Politician
1928
Israeli general and Prime Minister who shaped modern Israel through decades of military and political leadership
Ariel Fictional
Other
The magical air spirit bound to serve Prospero in Shakespeare's The Tempest (1611)
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #196
- Total SSA Count
- 1,559
- Cultural Origins
- English Hebrew Italian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Ariella is also used as a boy name, ranked #44593.
View Ariella as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ariella
What does the name Ariella mean?
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Is Ariella a boy or girl name?
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About the Name Ariella
Ariella is a girl name with English, Hebrew, and Italian origins . The name means "lion of God" in Hebrew .
Is Ariella a boy or girl name? Ariella is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #196 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #44,593. Ariella is more commonly used as a girl name.
Ariella is currently ranked #196 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Ariella has 4 syllables and is pronounced ahr-ee-EHL-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Ariella include Ari, Ella, and Arie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Ariella include Ariel, Arielle, Ariela, Arie, Aries . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.