Ariel is a moderately popular girls' name in United States, ranking #163 in 1996 with 1,924 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2014 with 2,444 births ranking #132. In 1996, approximately 1 in every 911 girls born was named Ariel. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Ariel is a striking Hebrew name meaning lion of God. It feels bright, strong, and slightly airy because of its modern associations.
The name appears in the Hebrew Bible and later gained broad cultural recognition through literature and film. Its long use across genders and traditions adds to its flexibility.