Find out how popular the first name Ariane has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ariane by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ariane is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Ariane being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ariane.

The history of the first name Ariane

The name Ariane has its origins in the ancient Greek language and culture, dating back to the 8th century BCE. It is derived from the Greek word "Ariadne," which means "most holy" or "utterly pure." The name Ariadne was famously associated with the Cretan princess who helped Theseus navigate the Labyrinth and defeat the Minotaur in Greek mythology.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Ariane can be found in the works of the ancient Greek poet Homer, who mentioned Ariadne in his epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey. The name also appears in various Greek tragedies and plays, further solidifying its place in classical literature.

During the Middle Ages, the name Ariane gained popularity in France and other parts of Europe. It was particularly favored among the nobility and upper classes, who were influenced by the classical Greek and Roman cultures. One notable historical figure with this name was Ariane de Rothelin (c. 1350-1418), a French noblewoman and the wife of John VI of Burgundy.

In the Renaissance period, the name Ariane continued to be used across Europe. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Ariane de Rohan (1584-1646), a French noblewoman and the wife of René de Rieux, Count of Soissons. She was known for her involvement in the Fronde, a series of civil wars in France during the reign of Louis XIV.

Another significant figure in history with the name Ariane was Ariane Mnouchkine (born 1939), a French director and founder of the renowned Théâtre du Soleil. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary French theater.

In the literary world, Ariane Ariadne von der Leyden (1855-1924) was a German writer and poet who gained recognition for her lyrical works and contributions to the German Romantic movement.

Overall, the name Ariane has a rich historical legacy, spanning ancient Greek mythology, European nobility, and modern cultural figures. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its beautiful sound, classical roots, and association with the iconic Cretan princess Ariadne.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ariane was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ariane, please contact us.

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