Ariana

Ariana is a simple spelling variant of the more popular Arianna. The names are an Italian form of the Greek Ariadne which, in turn, is derived from the Greek words “ari” (most) and “adnos” (holy). Ariadne was the mythological daughter of King Minos, and the demi-goddess who helped Theseus out of the Minotaur’s labyrinth. According to Greek legend, King Minos attacked Athens to avenge his son who was killed there. In an ancient peace treaty of sorts, the Athenians were required to sacrifice seven young men and maidens to the Minotaur every nine years (the Minotaur was a formidable creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man). Theseus was one of the Athenian men chosen as a sacrifice to the Minotaur. However, Ariadne had fallen in love with the young man and so gave Theseus a magical sword to kill the Minotaur and she spun him a ball of red yarn so he could find his way out of the maze. Afterwards, Theseus promised to marry Ariadne and they fled to the island of Naxos; however, that night, following the instructions of Athena, Theseus abandoned poor Ariadne as she slept. Dionysus (the god of wine and ecstasy) took pity on the girl as he heard her yell in vain for Theseus and so married her himself (we have to assume she had more fun with Dionysus). Despite this rather colorful story of the Greek mythological damsel in distress, the name Ariadne actually owes its popularity to a 2nd century saint whose legend and cult grew during the Middle Ages. She was a slave-girl in a Phrygian royal household (modern day Turkey). She ran away after refusing to take part in pagan rites, ending up on a hillside which opened miraculously, presenting her with her own tomb. Etymologists believe that the name Ariadne comes from an ancient Cretan dialect from the elements “ari” (which is an intensive prefix meaning “most”) coupled with “adnos” meaning “holy” giving the name’s full meaning: “very holy”. In other words, not just a little bit holy, but VERY holy. Catch our drift? The Romans got the name Ariadne from the Greeks and Latinized it to Arianna. Today Arianna (with two “n”s) is quite popular in Italy (a top 25 favorite) but she’s also a Top 50 in the United States and Canada. The names Ariana or Aryana have also been in use in the Muslim world since the 15th century.