Ariel – Name Meaning
Ariel is a Hebrew name meaning “lion of God” or “hero of God.” It is derived from the biblical figure Ariel, who was a leader of the Israelites in the Old Testament. The name has been popularized by characters in literature and film, such as Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
History and Origin
The name Ariel first appears in the Bible in Isaiah 29:1-2, where it is used to refer to Jerusalem. In Jewish tradition, Ariel is associated with the angel of nature and is sometimes referred to as the “Lion of God.” In Christian tradition, Ariel is seen as a symbol of strength and courage.
The name was popularized in England during the 17th century by poet Edmund Spenser, who used it for a character in his epic poem The Faerie Queene. Since then, it has become increasingly popular throughout Europe and North America.
Popularity
Ariel has been a popular name for girls since the late 20th century. It was ranked among the top 100 names for girls in the United States from 2000 to 2009. In recent years, it has become even more popular due to its association with Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Famous People Named Ariel
There are many famous people named Ariel, including:
- Ariel Sharon – former Prime Minister of Israel
- Ariel Winter – American actress
- Ariel Castro – kidnapper and rapist
- Ariel Pink – American musician
Variations of the Name
The name Ariel can also be spelled Arielle or Ariele. There are also variations on the spelling such as Ariell, Arial, Ariellelle, and Ariella.