Ariana or Ariella?

[watercolourart12]

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?

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.

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).

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

@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!

@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 :)

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

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.

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.

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.

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

I like both names a lot but prefer Ariane.

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

I just learned that Ariella means lioness of God

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

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

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

Others similar ..

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