Ariel is a moderately popular girls' name in United States, ranking #287 in 2023 with 1,094 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2014 with 2,444 births ranking #132. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 43.1%. In 2023, approximately 1 in every 1,465 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.