Alternatives to Ariana

Bibiana

Latin

"life"

Melodic and unusual, and she will outgrow any bib jokes.

Cristiana

Cristiana is a feminine name with Latin origins, the feminine form of Christian, meaning 'follower of Christ.' Popular in Portugal, Italy, Romania, and other predominantly Catholic countries, the…

Dariana

Variation of Darian

"rich, kingly"

Fabiana

Italian and Spanish feminine variation of Fabian

"bean grower"

The fashion for elaborate girly-girl names, especially those that end with -ella or -ana, has put this distinctive Latin favorite into play.

Gilliana

Gilliana is an elegant feminine name that serves as an elaborated form of Gillian, which itself is a feminine derivative of Julian or the medieval English name Gille. With roots tracing back to Latin…

Giovana

Italian, feminine variation of Giovanni

This alternative spelling of the classic Italian name Giovanna is used in small numbers, but with the sharp rise of diminutives Gia and Gianna, it feels right in line.

Gloriana

Latin

"glory"

Originally the name of the titular faerie queene of Spenser's epic poem "The Faerie Queene," published in 1590. Gloriana was, along with Belphoebe, an allegory for Queen Elizabeth. In the 400-odd…

Hadriana

Feminine form of Hadriana

Hadriana may not have been used for a couple of millennia, but with the new fashion for ancient names, it just might be ready for a comeback.

Haliana

Haliana is a feminine name with a melodic quality that likely developed as a modern creation or variant of names like Aliana, Halina, or Liana. It may blend elements of Hawaiian naming traditions…

Ilana

Hebrew

"oak tree"

Ilana is a name with seemingly endless variations, well used in Israel, sometimes chosen for little girls born on the holiday of TuB'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees. While some sources say Ilana is…

Kassiana

Greek

"cinnamon"

All names Cas are rising in style value, from Cassia for girls to Cassian, Cassius, Caspian, and even Casper for boys, so more obscure forms like this rare Greek beauty are up for consideration.…

Kayliana

Kayliana is a feminine name that appears to be a modern blend of the popular names Kayla and Liana, or possibly an elaborate form of Kay or Kaylie with a romantic suffix. The name has a melodic…

Kristiana

Greek

"Christian, anointed"

See CRISTIANA.

Liviana

Latin

"envious"

Somehow sounds even posher than Lavinia. A lushly beautiful name, in the trendy ancient style, marred only by a negative meaning.

Nashana

Nashana is a melodic feminine name with possible origins in Hebrew, African, or Native American traditions. It may be a variation of names like Shana (Hebrew for 'beautiful') with the prefix 'Na,'…

Nayana

Hindi

"beautiful eyes"

Hip-swayingly evocative.

Oriana

Latin

"dawn; gold"

Oriana is a dashing medieval name, with a meaning similar to Aurora. At this point, though, Oriana is much more unusual than Aurora and makes a unique choice if you're searching for names that mean…

Riana

Contemporary American variation of Rhiannon

The original Rhiannon has more appeal.

Rihanna

Arabic

"sweet basil"

Many will associate Rihanna with the Barbados-born singer, known mononymously by her middle name. During her early years of fame, when "Umbrella" was on the radio and "Take a Bow" was playing through…

Yolanda

Spanish from Greek

"violet flower"

Bold and distinctive, Yolanda is a floral name that doesn't sound frilly or delicate. Ultimately deriving from the Greek words ioles meaning "violet" and anthos meaning "flower", it appears in a…