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Name meaning & originAriana Αριάδνη

/ah-ree-AH-nah/

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Ariana is a Greek girl's name pronounced /ah-ree-AH-nah/. This name literally translates to 'most holy' or 'very sacred'.

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Meaning of Ariana

This name literally translates to 'most holy' or 'very sacred'.

The name is a Latinized version of the Greek name Ariadne. It is composed of the Greek elements 'ari', an intensive prefix meaning 'most', and 'adnos', meaning 'holy' or 'pure'. In Greek mythology, Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos of Crete who helped Theseus defeat the Minotaur.

Origin
Greek
Pronunciation
/ah-ree-AH-nah/

Cultural background

While rooted in ancient Greek, the name is widely used across Western cultures, particularly in English, Italian, and Spanish-speaking countries.

Variations & nicknames

  • Arianna
  • Aryana
  • Ariadne
  • Ariane
  • Ari
  • Ary

Famous people named Ariana

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Ariana Grande

    Global pop singer and actress

    Music · Modern

  • Arianna Huffington

    Co-founder of The Huffington Post

    Media · Modern

  • Ariana DeBose

    Academy Award-winning actress and dancer

    Film · Modern

  • Ariana Richards

    Actress known for her role in Jurassic Park

    Film · 1990s

  • Ariana Reines

    Acclaimed American poet and playwright

    Literature · Modern

Frequently asked about Ariana

Is Ariana a Greek or Persian name?
It has roots in both; in Greek it means 'most holy', while in Persian (as Aryana), it refers to the 'Land of the Aryans'.
What is the most common nickname for Ariana?
The most common nicknames are Ari, Ana, and Aria.
Is Ariana related to the name Aria?
While they sound similar, Aria usually refers to a musical melody or 'air' in Italian, whereas Ariana comes from the Greek Ariadne.

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