ARIEL  

Gender: M
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: "lion of God"

Popularity in 2008: #570

Despite its distinguished pedigree and popularity in Israel, Disney's Little Mermaid feminized Ariel in this country forever--though short form Ari has come into prominence via the less than admirable character in Entourage.

Variations:
Arriel, Arie, Arial, Ariyel, Ari

Ariel is being discussed in our message boards:

• Baby Girl Name to go with JAMES & NOAH
• my category name game
• Not ditching Roslyn, but open to more suggestions. HELP!
• Themed Elimination Game
• obsessed with the letter A!!

Read Nameberry blog posts about Ariel:

• THE SOFTER SIDE OF BOYS' NAMES
• JEWISH NAMES
• UNISEX NAMES: What's Hot, What's Not
• PRINCESS NAMES
• POETIC BABY NAMES