Arianrhod – Name Meaning

Arianrhod is a Welsh name derived from the elements “ari” meaning silver and “rhod” meaning wheel. The name is associated with the Welsh goddess of the same name, who was a figure in Welsh mythology.

In Welsh mythology, Arianrhod was the daughter of Beli Mawr and the sister of Gwydion. She was a powerful goddess associated with fertility, the moon, and time. She was also known as a shape-shifter and could take on many forms. Her symbol was a silver wheel, which represented her connection to the moon and its cycles.

The name Arianrhod has been used in Wales since at least the 16th century. It is still popular today, especially among those of Welsh descent. It is also sometimes used as a given name for girls.

Symbolism

The symbolism associated with Arianrhod’s name reflects her role in Welsh mythology. The silver wheel represents her connection to the moon and its cycles, while the element “ari” suggests purity and innocence. The element “rhod” can be interpreted as representing strength and power.

The combination of these two elements suggests that Arianrhod is a powerful yet gentle goddess who is connected to both nature and time. This makes her an ideal namesake for someone who wishes to embody these qualities.

Popularity

Arianrhod is not a particularly common name in modern times, but it has seen some use in recent years. In 2018, it ranked #7,845 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names in the United States.

It is more popular in Wales, where it ranks #1,919 on the Office for National Statistics’ list of most popular baby names in Wales in 2019. It is also popular among those of Welsh descent living outside of Wales.

By Ava Isabella Hartley

Ava Isabella Hartley is a renowned expert in the field of onomastics, the study of names and their meanings, with a particular focus on baby names. She holds a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge and has over 15 years of experience in the study of etymology, name trends, and cultural naming practices.

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