Ariel

Meaning & origin

Ariel is a unisex name with deep biblical roots, appearing in the Hebrew Bible as a name for Jerusalem. Its meaning, 'lion of God,' conveys strength and divine connection. In the U.S., the name first appeared on record in 1892, initially as a rare masculine choice. It peaked in popularity in 1991, driven in part by Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' princess (1989). As of 2025, the name ranks 355th, with about 1 in 1,889 babies named Ariel. Its popularity has been falling since its 1991 peak. The name is most common in New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona. Ariel remains a versatile choice, used for both boys and girls, with literary and pop culture associations that add to its appeal.

Ariel is a Hebrew name (אֲרִיאֵל) meaning 'lion of God.' It appears in the Hebrew Bible as a symbolic name for Jerusalem and as a person's name. In English-speaking countries, it was rare before the 20th century but gained notice after Shakespeare's use as a spirit in 'The Tempest' (1611) and later Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' (1989). It has been used for both boys and girls, with the female usage rising sharply in the late 20th century.