Meaning & History
Ariella is a feminine given name derived from Ariel, a Hebrew name meaning “lion of God” (from ʾari “lion” and ʾel “God”). While Ariel is gender-neutral in Hebrew, Ariella emerged as a strictly feminine variant, gaining popularity in English-speaking countries. The name is also found in the variant spelling Arielle, used in French and other languages.
Etymology and History
The root name Ariel appears in the Old Testament as another name for Jerusalem. In English literature, Shakespeare used the name for a spirit in The Tempest (1611), and Alexander Pope used it for a sylph in The Rape of the Lock (1712). The name also denotes one of the moons of Uranus, honoring the literary tradition. As a given name, Ariel became more common for females in the 1980s, spurred by Disney's 1989 film The Little Mermaid, whose title character is named Ariel. Ariella, resembling the affectionate -ella suffix from names like Isabella, followed this trend.
Notable Bearers
- Ariella Arida (born 1988): Filipino actress and Miss Universe Philippines 2013.
- Ariella Azoulay (born 1962): Author, art curator, filmmaker, and theorist of photography.
- Ariella Käslin (born 1987): Swiss artistic gymnast.
- Ariela Massotti (born 1985): Brazilian actress.
- Ariella Rush (born 1956): American professional ballroom dancer.
Cultural Significance
In fiction, the name appears in characters such as Ariella I of Furstan-Festil in the Deryni novels by Katherine Kurtz, and Supergirl (Ariella Kent) in DC Comics. These portrayals associate the name with femininity and strength, echoing its Hebrew meaning.
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Ariella