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Ariana

♀ Girl

Pronounced air-ee-AH-nuh /ˌɛr.iˈɑː.nə/High

Meaning: Very holy; most holy — from Latin Ariana, feminine of Arianus, related to Greek ari- (most, very) + hagnos (holy, pure)Medium

In 30 seconds: A melodious Latinate name meaning 'most holy,' Ariana is also the ancient name for the region encompassing modern Afghanistan and Iran. Its modern fame is closely tied to pop star Ariana Grande.
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Origin HighLatin, Greek
MeaningVery holy; most holy — from Latin Ariana, feminine of Arianus, related to Greek ari- (most, very) + hagnos (holy, pure)
Peak year2014
Total births (all-time)≈ 96,275

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201419572017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Ariana derives from the Latin Ariana, the Latinized form of the Greek name for a region of Central Asia. The feminine name meaning 'very holy' traces to the Greek prefix ari- (very) and hagnos (holy, pure), though the exact etymology is debated.

As a given name Ariana appeared in Italy in the medieval era. In the United States it became widely popular in the early 21st century, boosted significantly by the fame of singer Ariana Grande from the mid-2010s onward.

Did you know? Ariana is the ancient Greek and Latin name for the eastern part of the Persian Empire — roughly modern-day Iran and Afghanistan. The country name Iran itself derives from the same root.

Variations

AriannaArianeAriadne

Nicknames

AriAnaRia

Famous Bearers

  • ★Ariana Grande (1993–)
    American pop singer and actress, one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

If you like Ariana…

Liliana— four-syllable Latinate classic with the same flowing -ana ending
Valentina— Italian/Spanish four-syllable name with the same romantic sweep
Juliana— Latin four-syllable classic with the same timeless -ana beauty

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ariana mean?

Ariana is thought to mean 'very holy' or 'most pure' from Greek elements. It is also the ancient name for a region of Central Asia.

How do you pronounce Ariana?

It is said air-ee-AH-nuh /ˌɛr.iˈɑː.nə/ — four syllables, stress on the third.

Is Ariana a boy or girl name?

Ariana is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Ariana?

Ariana has been a top-100 U.S. girls' name since the mid-2010s.