Ariana Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ah-REE-ah-nah //ˌɑː.riˈɑː.nə//
Origin: Italian; Latin; Greek
Meaning: Italian: 'most holy'; Latin: 'silver'; Greek: 'pure'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Ariana has its roots in the ancient Greek language, deriving from the word "Arianos," which means "most holy" or "sacred." This term is believed to have been influenced by the Greek word "ari," meaning "best" or "excellent." The name was later adopted into Latin as "Ariana," maintaining its connotations of purity and holiness. The transition into English occurred through various cultural exchanges, particularly during the Renaissance when classical names gained popularity in Europe, leading to the incorporation of Ariana into English-speaking contexts.
Historically, the name Ariana has been associated with several notable figures and texts. In the 1st century, the name appeared in the writings of the Roman poet Virgil, who used it in reference to a character in his epic works.
The name also found its way into Christian traditions, where it was sometimes linked to saints or revered figures, although specific saints named Ariana are less documented. The name's presence in literature and religious texts contributed to its enduring appeal throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, a period marked by a revival of interest in classical antiquity.
Culturally, Ariana has been embraced in various traditions, often symbolizing grace and nobility. The name has been used in literature and the arts, further solidifying its significance.
In some cultures, diminutive forms such as "Ari" or "Ana" have emerged, reflecting affectionate or familial connections. The name's melodic quality and associations with beauty and holiness have allowed it to resonate across different cultures and eras, ensuring its place in the lexicon of names used for girls.
Famous people named Ariana
Fictional characters named Ariana
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Ariana was first seen in the United States in 1957. Ariana has ranked as high as #111 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Ariana has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Ariana (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 485 | |
| TX | 416 | |
| FL | 183 | |
| NY | 143 | |
| IL | 92 | |
| GA | 87 | |
| NJ | 85 | |
| NC | 84 | |
| VA | 78 | |
| AZ | 68 | |
| PA | 59 | |
| WA | 58 | |
| TN | 53 | |
| MD | 50 | |
| OH | 49 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1957 | 5 |
| 1960 | 5 |
| 1962 | 7 |
| 1964 | 7 |
| 1965 | 14 |
| 1966 | 26 |
| 1967 | 36 |
| 1968 | 31 |
| 1969 | 28 |
| 1970 | 43 |
| 1971 | 51 |
| 1972 | 49 |
| 1973 | 48 |
| 1974 | 54 |
| 1975 | 70 |
| 1976 | 79 |
| 1977 | 105 |
| 1978 | 153 |
| 1979 | 136 |
| 1980 | 311 |
| 1981 | 348 |
| 1982 | 367 |
| 1983 | 380 |
| 1984 | 363 |
| 1985 | 369 |
| 1986 | 419 |
| 1987 | 523 |
| 1988 | 638 |
| 1989 | 967 |
| 1990 | 1,259 |
| 1991 | 1,562 |
| 1992 | 1,371 |
| 1993 | 1,534 |
| 1994 | 1,874 |
| 1995 | 1,948 |
| 1996 | 2,043 |
| 1997 | 2,319 |
| 1998 | 2,424 |
| 1999 | 2,528 |
| 2000 | 3,153 |
| 2001 | 3,377 |
| 2002 | 3,492 |
| 2003 | 3,834 |
| 2004 | 3,996 |
| 2005 | 3,981 |
| 2006 | 4,234 |
| 2007 | 4,326 |
| 2008 | 3,914 |
| 2009 | 3,700 |
| 2010 | 3,477 |
| 2011 | 3,456 |
| 2012 | 3,588 |
| 2013 | 4,420 |
| 2014 | 5,502 |
| 2015 | 4,971 |
| 2016 | 4,608 |
| 2017 | 3,888 |
| 2018 | 3,738 |
| 2019 | 3,683 |
| 2020 | 3,171 |
| 2021 | 2,982 |
| 2022 | 2,853 |
| 2023 | 2,718 |
| 2024 | 2,569 |