Girl · Hebrew · Old Testament · Biblically inspired
Ariella
air-ee-EL-uh · means “Lion of God”
Ariella is a feminine name built from "Ari" (lion) and "El" (God), meaning "lion of God." It is a modern coined name rather than one found directly in Scripture, though it echoes Ariel, which appears in the Bible both as a poetic name for Jerusalem (Isaiah 29:1) and as a man's name (2 Samuel 23:20).
“Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed."”
The story behind the name
Ariella has grown gradually more common in the United States over the last two decades, appreciated for its strong meaning and lyrical sound, often chosen alongside the shorter Ariel.
The name Ariel appears in Isaiah as a striking title for Jerusalem itself, a city Isaiah calls "lion of God" even as he warns of coming siege and eventual deliverance (Isaiah 29:1-7). It is a name for a city meant to stand strong under God's own protection.
Ariel is also the name of one of David's mighty warriors, a son of a valiant man from Kabzeel who struck down two of Moab's best men and, on a snowy day, killed a lion in a pit (2 Samuel 23:20). A daughter named Ariella carries that same picture: fierce courage held under the strength of God.
A blessing to pray over Ariella
Lord, make this daughter strong like a lion and safe under Your protection like Jerusalem of old. Let her courage always be rooted in You. Amen.
Popularity
A hidden gem, outside the US top 1000. A beautiful choice if you want a name few others will share.
Variants & nicknames
Ariel, Arielle, Ariela
Middle names that sing with Ariella
Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.
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