Aris

♀ Girl

Pronounced AIR-iss /ˈɛr.ɪs/High

Meaning: best, most excellentMedium

In 30 seconds: Aris is a Greek name meaning best or most excellent, a short form of names like Aristotle or Aristides. As a given name for girls it has a crisp, modern feel with ancient Greek roots.

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Origin HighGreek

Meaningbest, most excellent

U.S. rank (2025)#2328 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births78 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,852

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Aris is a short form of Greek names beginning with aristo- (best, excellent), such as Aristotle (best purpose), Aristides (best kind), and Aristomenes. As a standalone name it has been used in Greece and Cyprus as both masculine and feminine.

Aris is gaining use in the English-speaking world as a short, strong name with classical roots. For girls, it offers a Greek alternative to names like Iris or Paris, while carrying a distinctive intellectual heritage.

Did you know? The Greek prefix aristo- (meaning best) gave us not only Aristotle and Aristides but also the English word aristocracy — rule by the best — tracing this name to the roots of Western political thought.

Overall data confidence 78%

Liddell & Scott, Greek-English Lexicon — reference for ArisBehind the Name: Aris — name etymology reference

Variations

AristotleAristeiaArissa

Nicknames

ArRissa

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If you like Aris…

Iris— two-syllable Greek name with similar -is ending

Paris— Greek place-associated name with same -aris sound

Lyra— two-syllable Greek classical name for girls

Thea— short Greek divine name used for girls

Explore names like Aris

By thememodern greek short two-syllable classical

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Frequently Asked

What does Aris mean?

Aris means best or most excellent, from the Greek root aristos, as in Aristotle and aristocracy.

How do you pronounce Aris?

Aris is pronounced AIR-iss (/ˈɛr.ɪs/), with two syllables.

Is Aris a girl's name?

Aris is used for both boys and girls; as a given name for girls it is a modern choice with ancient Greek roots.

How popular is the name Aris?

Aris is an uncommon name in English-speaking countries but is growing as a crisp classical alternative.