Arian

Arian is a masculine name which just recently came into usage in the United States. We can approach this name from several possible etymological origins. For one, Arian could be considered a simple respelling of Aryan, from the Sanskrit (Hindu) “ārya” meaning “noble, high-born”. Secondly, Arian could be the male version of Ariana from the Greek meaning “most holy”. Finally, Arian could be an updated, modern version of Arius, an ancient Greek masculine name meaning “immortal”. Arius was a 3rd/4th century notable Greek figure who lent his name to the theological concept of Arianism. Arianism essentially went against the Trinity (the Christian doctrine of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit); Arius and his followers believed in one Godhead and considered the Son of God (i.e., Christ) inferior to God the Father (the Creator). Despite the fact that Arius was pronounced a heretic by the early Church Fathers for his teachings, Arianism spread far and wide and created a very real problem for the Church. Early Christian leaders feared a reversion to paganism if God the Father and God the Son were separated outside of the divine “oneness” that Trinitarianism sought to construct. The mainstream Roman Christian Church was finally able to suppress Arianism in the High Middle Ages (often by military force). Aside from all of Arian’s potential meanings, the name’s popularity (at least in America) is mostly owed to football player Arian Foster (many consider one of the finest running backs in the NFL). It is from Arian Foster’s parents that we get the name’s fourth meaning: it’s an abbreviated form of Aquarian (even through Foster is actually a Virgo). Aquarian means “water-pourer” or “water-bearer” (also “holder of knowledge”). This definition seems fitting since Arian Foster is remarkably multi-talented and highly-intelligent both on and off the football field.