Ariana is a female given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "aries" which means "of the silver". It was initially used as a boy's name but has since become more popular for girls in recent times.
The name Ariana is also associated with the constellation Aries, which is one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union. This association may have contributed to its popularity among parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their daughters.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Ariana. One example is Saint Ariana, who was a Christian martyr during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians in the 4th century AD. Despite being sentenced to death, she remained steadfast in her faith and is now venerated as a saint by many Christian denominations.
Today, Ariana continues to be popular as a female given name around the world. It peaked at number 163 on the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby names in the United States during 2019, indicating that it has maintained its relevance even centuries after its Latin origins.
The name Ariana has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past four decades. Between 1981 and 2022, there have been a total of 200 babies named Ariana born in the U.S., according to data from the Social Security Administration.
The popularity of the name Ariana has fluctuated over time. In the early years recorded (1981-1985), there were fewer than 10 births each year with this name. However, in 1989, there was a significant spike with 18 newborn girls named Ariana.
After this peak, the number of annual births with the name Ariana decreased again, ranging between 5 and 9 births per year from 1990 to 2008. There was another small increase in popularity around 2004-2007, with 14, 11, and 6 births respectively.
More recently, the number of Ariana births has been steady but lower, with 5 or fewer births per year from 2014 onwards. Despite this, it's clear that Ariana remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents in the U.S., even if it hasn't quite entered the realm of top baby names.
It's fascinating to observe these trends over time and see how they reflect changing cultural influences and personal preferences. While Ariana may not be one of the most popular names, its enduring presence on the birth charts shows that it continues to resonate with parents seeking a special name for their daughters.