Name meaning & originAriana Αριάδνη
/ah-ree-AH-nah/
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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