Visually, the name is long and lyrical, making it a perfect fit for the current trend of maximalist girl names ending in “a.” It possesses a distinct “princess” vibe but, thanks to its meaning, hides a fierce core beneath the frills.
Verdict: Ariella is a top-tier choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the highly desirable “Ella” suffix while standing out from the crowd of Isabellas and Olivias. It is perfect for parents seeking a name that implies strength (Lioness) wrapped in total sophistication.
Ariella Overview
- Meaning: Ariella means “lioness of God” in Hebrew.
- Gender: Ariella is considered a girl’s name.
- Origin: Ariella has Hebrew roots and is taken from Ariel. It is also connected to “ara,” which means “to gather.”
- Pronunciation: Ariella can be pronounced “AIR-ee-EL-uh” or “AR-ee-EL-uh.”
- Popularity: Ariella is most popular in America, but it is also sprinkled throughout Europe. In 2022, it was among the top 200 options for American girls.
- Nicknames: Aerie, Ar, Ari, Ella, Elle, Ellie, Elly, La, Ree, Riella, Rielle.
- Variations: Araella, Ariel, Ariela, Arielle, Ariellie, Ariyella, Aryella.
- Namesakes: Ariella Azoulay, Israeli author, filmmaker, and activist. Ariella Kaslin, Swiss Olympic gymnast.
What Does Ariella Mean?
Ariella is a stunning Hebrew girl’s name that translates directly to “lioness of God.” It is a theophoric name, meaning it embeds the name of the deity (El) within it.
The etymology is straightforward yet powerful:
- Ari: Meaning “Lion.”
- El: Meaning “God.”
- -a: A feminine suffix used to latinize or soften the name.
While some parents view Ariella simply as a combination of the names “Ari” and “Ella” (interpreting it as “Lion Fairy” or “Noble Lion”), the traditional Hebrew etymology is the primary definition. It is a name that symbolizes courage, divine protection, and fierce strength.
Where Does the Name Ariella Come From?
Ariella is the feminized Latin variation of the Hebrew name Ariel.
To understand the history of Ariella, one must look at Ariel. In the Bible (Old Testament), Ariel is used as an alternate name for the city of Jerusalem and refers to the altar of the temple. It was also the name of a messenger leader under Ezra.
While Ariel has been used historically for centuries (often as a male name), Ariella is a more modern adaptation. It emerged as naming trends shifted toward longer, flowing, multi-syllabic names for girls. It appeared in records in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily among Jewish families, before crossing over into the secular mainstream in the United States in the 2000s.
How Popular is the Name Ariella?
Ariella is a shining example of a “modern classic.” Unlike names that have been popular for 100 years, Ariella is relatively new to the top of the charts.
According to Social Security Administration data, Ariella did not crack the top 1000 in the US until 2008. Once it arrived, it skyrocketed. Parents fell in love with its melodic sound and its similarity to the mega-hit Isabella. It quickly climbed the ladder, peaking in 2020 near the top 150.
Currently, it remains a “Rising Star.” It has settled comfortably into the top 200, making it a familiar and well-loved choice without being as ubiquitous as Olivia or Emma. It strikes the perfect balance of being recognizable but not overused.
How Do I Pronounce Ariella?
The most common American pronunciation is “AIR-ee-EL-uh,” giving the first syllable the same sound as the air we breathe.
However, a more traditional or European pronunciation is “AR-ee-EL-uh,” using a soft “Ah” sound at the start (like the “a” in “car”). Both are considered correct, though you may find yourself correcting people depending on which version you prefer.
Is Ariella a Boy or Girl Name?
Ariella is distinctly a girl’s name.
While its root name, Ariel, is unisex (and predominantly male in Israel), the addition of the “-ella” suffix firmly places Ariella in the feminine category.
Variations of Ariella
If you love the sound of Ariella but want a slightly different cultural flair, consider these variations:
- Ariela: The Spanish and more traditional Hebrew spelling. It drops one “L” for a sleeker look.
- Arielle: The French variation. It sounds slightly more sophisticated and ends with a soft “El” sound rather than “Uh.”
- Ariyella: A modern American phonetic spelling used to ensure pronunciation.
- Araella: A rare spin that combines distinct vowel sounds for a unique look.
Nicknames for Ariella
Ariella is a treasure trove for nicknames. Here are the common go-to choices and a few creative gems.
The Classics
Creative & Rare Options
- Aria: Extracting the middle sound gives you this operatic name.
- Lioness: A fierce, literal nickname for a brave little girl.
- Aerie: A sweet, bird-like nickname that plays on the pronunciation.
- Ria: A spunky, retro-feeling short form.
Names Similar to Ariella
If Ariella isn’t quite right, these names capture the same romantic, multi-syllabic vibe.
- Arabella: Shares the “Bella” ending and the initial “A,” but feels slightly more vintage and British.
- Gabriella: A rhyme for Ariella that also means “God is my strength,” sharing the theophoric root.
- Eliana: Another Hebrew favorite meaning “My God has answered,” sharing the melodic vowel structure.
- Aurora: Shares the “Ar” beginning and the Disney princess association, meaning “Dawn.”
- Seraphina: A Hebrew name meaning “fiery ones” that matches Ariella’s length and elegance.
- Oriana: A rare “Golden” name that mimics the flow of Ariella.
- Mariella: A softer, less common alternative that blends Maria and Ella.
Middle Names for Ariella
Because Ariella is long (four syllables), it pairs beautifully with shorter, grounded middle names.
Short & Classic
Nature Inspired
Virtuous & Sweet
Sibling Names for Ariella
Creating a cohesive sibset with Ariella means looking for names that are romantic, historic, or possess a lyrical quality.
For a Brother
For a Sister
Famous People Named Ariella
- Ariella Azoulay: A prominent Israeli author, film director, and theorist known for her work in visual culture and photography.
- Ariella Kaeslin: A celebrated Swiss artistic gymnast who has won multiple European medals.
- Ariella Arida: A Filipino fashion model and actress who won Miss Universe Philippines 2013.
- Ariella Rush: An American professional ballroom dancer known for her competitive prowess.
Ariella in Pop Culture
- Ariella Kent: A character in the DC Comics universe, known as a descendant of Superman and a Supergirl from the 853rd century.
- Ariella: A character mentioned in the fantasy novel series “Deryni” by Katherine Kurtz.
FAQs About the Name Ariella
Is Ariella a Rare Name?
Ariella was practically unheard of until the late 19th-century when it appeared in comic strips and books. Ariella is well-known in America and Europe, but remains a rare option elsewhere. Americans adore Ariella, making the title a top 200 pick for girls in 2022. Parents in other countries are likelier to go with Ariel, a Disney-inspired alternative to Ariella.
What Is the Male Version of Ariella?
The male version of Ariella is Ariel, a Hebrew title meaning “lion of God.” Ariel ranks among the top 1,000 picks for American boys and among the top 300 options for girls. In other countries, Ariel is likelier to be used for little boys.
Is Ariella a Biblical Name?
Ariella is not found in the Bible but still has spiritual connotations. Ariella is taken from Ariel, which appears in the Old Testament as a minor figure and a place name. Many believe Ariel’s references in the Bible point to parts of an altar. Ariella also has a biblical interpretation, meaning “lioness of God.” While Ariella is not distinctly biblical, many would consider it a spiritual option due to its meaning.
Is Ariella an Italian Name?
While Ariella sounds distinctly Italian due to the “ella” ending, it is technically of Hebrew origin. However, it is used in Italy, often as a diminutive of names like Arianna, or simply because it fits the phonetics of the Italian language beautifully. It bridges the gap between Hebrew tradition and Romance language style.
Can Ariella Be Spelled With One L?
Yes, the spelling “Ariela” is very common, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities and in Israel. The single “L” spelling (Ariela) usually suggests a slightly different pronunciation emphasis, often harder on the “Eh” sound (Ah-ree-EH-lah), whereas the double “L” (Ariella) invites a softer flow.
What Zodiac Sign Is Associated with Ariella?
Due to its literal meaning of “Lioness,” Ariella is spiritually connected to the sign of Leo (The Lion). This makes it an especially fitting choice for babies born between late July and late August, though the name imparts strength regardless of birth date.
Is Ariella a Vintage Name?
No, Ariella is considered a modern name. While its root, Ariel, is ancient, the form Ariella is a contemporary favorite. It does not carry the “Grandma chic” vibe of names like Eleanor or Margaret; instead, it feels fresh, current, and youthful.
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Ariella?
Spiritually, Ariella signifies divine strength. The “Lion” represents courage, royalty, and ferocity, while “God” roots the name in faith. It suggests a person who fights battles with the backing of the divine, or someone who protects their loved ones with fierce intensity.
