The name Arielle is of French origin and means "lioness". It is derived from the Old German word "ari", which means "lion", and the suffix "-ella", which denotes a small or charming version of something.
Arielle was first used as a given name in France during the Middle Ages. It gained popularity throughout Europe over time, particularly in France, Italy, and Spain. In the United States, Arielle began to be used more frequently in the 1970s and has since become quite popular, ranking among the top 1,000 most common girl's names.
The name Arielle is often associated with the Disney film "The Little Mermaid", which was released in 1989. In the movie, the main character's name is Ariel, a variation of Arielle. Since then, the name has become even more widely known and loved. However, it is important to note that the name existed long before this popular cultural reference.
Overall, Arielle is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history. Its meaning adds to its appeal, as many people admire the qualities associated with lionesses, such as courage, strength, and grace. Despite its popularity in recent years, Arielle remains a unique choice for parents looking for a special name for their daughter.
The name Arielle experienced a peak in popularity in the late 80s with 21 births recorded in 1989, while it saw a resurgence more recently with 6 births each in 1992 and 2020. Overall, there have been a total of 51 births for the name Arielle since 1986.