Ariel/Arielle

[MsChanandlerBong]

I have loved this name for about 20 years - the first time I heard it was on Disney's Little Mermaid (not great credentials for naming a child, I know!). But I have recently ruled it out as a name for my DD (due in September) due to the washing powder/typeface/thing on the roof.

However, on a few threads on here recently I have seen people raise it as a good name... what do you all think of it? Is it a viable name in 'middle england'?

I prefer the shorter spelling, but suspect the longer spelling would be more acceptable - what do you think?

I immediately think of 'that film' and then the washing powder ..sorry

Aurelia is a lovely name and quite similar in sound.

Love Ariel - but then I have always loved Shakespeare.

i love the name and we considered it for dd , however, the little mermaid and particularly the washing powder brand made us ditch it. we could hear the endless jokes along the lines of will persil be next.

meant to add it is a lovely name and if your brave enough then go for it.
wish i'd been more courageous.

Think I may have been guilty of raising it as a good name on another thread. I really like it, I think it means lion(ess?) of God or some such and is a good hebrew name. I think if spelled Arielle and pronounced like that (like Ariel Sharon) you can get away from the washing powder association. Don't think the little mermaid association is that bad myself.

My DD1 thinks she should actually be called Ariel. In fact she insists on it much of the time But she's 3.8 and very into Disney princesses.

On balance, I don't think it's a great name and think immediately of Disney or washing.

I actually prefer it as a boys name (Ariel Sharon), and it always strikes me as a bit odd on a girl.
Shame the film ruined it for boys in this country (despite the different pronunciation)

Weakhorse - it is difficult. I think I will always love the name, but the majority of the comments on here are confirming my suspicions that we will have to ditch it too.

Olddeuteronomy - I do really like that pronunciation, thanks for the suggestion, but worry about dd having to constantly correct peoples' pronunciation as well as fend off jokes about washing powder.

I guess it is easier for me to ditch my favourite and look at the other names on my list. :(

Absolutely gorgeous when pronounced Ari-elle are opposed the Ariel the washing powder. Ariella is my favourite girls name but was vetoed by DH unfortunately.

Well Ariel is a male Hebrew name (hence Ariel Sharon) and Arielle is the feminine version (AFAIK) so Arielle would both be more correct and avoid all the washing links.

Wonder if you could still pronounce Arielle as Aerial?

Severalyears - thanks for the suggestion. Are you able to share why DH vetoed Ariella?

I too see Ariel as a boy's name, so would suggest you go for Arielle (if you still stick with this name). Or staying with The Tempest, how about Miranda?

My DD had a friend called Adriel (boy), I love this name.

Washing powder, sorry. How about Arianna?

Ariel - love it.

As long as you don't use the middle name Sharon.

I suggested it for DD, but DH said no.