Meaning, origin, history
Ariel is a Hebrew name of biblical origin that means "lion of God." It is derived from the Hebrew words "arie" meaning lion and "el" meaning God. In the Bible, Ariel appears as one of the names given to Jerusalem in Isaiah 29:1-8. The prophet Isaiah refers to Ariel as a city besieged by enemies but ultimately protected by God. Throughout history, Ariel has been used as a male name in Jewish communities around the world. Today, it is also used as a female name, likely due to its popularity among fans of Disney's "The Little Mermaid," whose main character shares the same name spelled differently. However, Ariel remains predominantly associated with males and has a strong biblical connection that resonates with people of faith.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Arieh since 1880
Total births
92
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
11 births
in 2023
11
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-13%
↘
vs previous 5 years