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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Ariana or Ariella?

41 replies

watercolourart12 · 11/06/2020 09:42

Hi all,

I was hoping to get some honest opinions about these two names. I have seen on other threads that people associate Ariella with the washing powder, areolas and the mermaid, and they associate Ariana to the popstar, however besides these points, what do you honestly think of these names? Both names fit the background and I am big fan of the strong meanings. I like strong, feminine names. I don't see why an overly feminine name is seen as an insult these days! Being a strong woman means you can be whoever you want to be, girly or boyish! What are your thoughts?

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user1492757084 · 02/02/2026 06:26

Ariana is sweet.
Ariella is nice but I prefer Ariana.

Others similar ..

Gabriella
Mariana
Arrietta
Anna
Ana
Ella
Ariel
Arika
Arielle
Arianna
Adriana
Adrianna

Giraffehaver · 01/02/2026 22:26

Ariella is a beautiful name. Doesn't make me think Disney or boobs! I love names like this Mariella, Gabriella, Abriella for example. Sounds stronger and more unusual of the two names

LilyLemonade · 01/02/2026 20:03

They are both nice. I also like (maybe prefer) Ariel (pronounced Arriel not Aeriel) or Ariadne.

Iris37183 · 01/02/2026 16:56

I just learned that Ariella means lioness of God

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watercolourart12 · 12/06/2020 08:53

Thank you for all your lovely comments! :) Mumsnet is so helpful!

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Tillygetsit · 11/06/2020 22:40

I like both names a lot but prefer Ariane.

123Dancewithme · 11/06/2020 22:01

Ariella as Ariana does make me think of Ariana Grande. I prefer Ariadne or Ariadna.

FizzyGreenWater · 11/06/2020 20:09

I'm not really a fan of either, and funnily enough it's because I think they both sound very much not strong names at all! For me, it's because they're both several syllables long and this always sounds fluffier and frillier. Ariella in particular sounds very 'frilly'. They both sound a bit Disney princess and twee to me.

Pinkblueberry · 11/06/2020 19:25

Ariella is very much like ‘Ariel the mermaid’ in some languages. Sounds nice though. Ariana is ok too - but like you say it’s a very obvious pop star name. It will date in the same way ‘Britney’ has.

APurpleSquirrel · 11/06/2020 19:08

I have an Arya (Ar-re-a). I've come across a couple since. I love it. My DS calls her RaRa for short as he can't pronounce Arya yet.

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watercolourart12 · 11/06/2020 19:02

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions and comments so far, I am keeping them all in mind!

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watercolourart12 · 11/06/2020 19:01

@Elouera Thank you for highlighting the link to the awards! I don't think it is a big issue here in the UK but it's still good to know if it works internationally :)

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watercolourart12 · 11/06/2020 19:00

@impatient2bmummy Congratulations and good luck with the delivery! Hope it all goes well for you! :) I am so reassured by your comment, I do love the name Ariella. Sometimes you just get your heart set on a name!

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LotusClover · 11/06/2020 18:52

Both are nice but I think I actually prefer Aria over them both. It's simpler and prettier.

Sportsnight · 11/06/2020 17:09

Not sure about Arielle or Ariana they both lack a bit of strength for me. Very soft sounds. I do like Ariadne. (Pronounced Ari-adna). I also quite like Arietty, which is definitely made up (or was, for The Borrowers).

Elouera · 11/06/2020 14:04

I initially read it as Adriana, not Ariana. Yes, it is a singer, but who knows if she will still be popular in 5-10 years when your little one will be at school?

FYI- Aria is the name of an Australian music award. On a smaller scale, but similar to calling a child Grammy, MTV or Billboard- but not so relevant in the UK.

I like Ariella, and never thought of the washing liquid.

daisypond · 11/06/2020 13:52

Oh, if I’m wrong about the endings, I take it back. That was my understanding.

Pinkypink · 11/06/2020 13:12

Ariella is not cobbled up a pp suggested. The feminine form of many Hebrew names requires adding an 'a' -and is not a western ending.
I know quite a few Arielas of all ages.
Sorry to be a know it all but that comment irritated me.

impatient2bmummy · 11/06/2020 12:10

@watercolourant12 she's never been teased about her name and she loved it. 🥰 it's always difficult choosing a name - I'm due first baby in a few days and we've chosen a name that COULD be seen as odd given the current situation, but we fell in love with the name long ago and don't think it's necessary to change it just because it might sound like something else to someone else! I've never once thought of washing powder or nipples when I say her name 🙈😂 and the meaning behind it is so lovely too.

Callybrid · 11/06/2020 12:05

Ariana

Ariella is a touch Cinderella, and Ana is cuter than Ella if that’s adopted as a nn (Ari is lovely for both of them though).

Ellmau · 11/06/2020 11:51

I prefer Ariana. You could spell it Arianna.

KittCat · 11/06/2020 11:45

Ariana.

blindmansbluff · 11/06/2020 11:42

Out of the two I prefer Ariella although I do like Aria (Aah-ria) more.

Glowcat · 11/06/2020 11:38

Are you happy with Ella as a shortened form?

BlueJeanBabeh · 11/06/2020 11:37

I think I prefer Ariella actually. I think there will be a host of Ariana's following Ariana Grande so I think Ariella feels more special and unique if that's what you would like?