The name Jariel is a variation of the Hebrew name Yārīʼēl, which means "God contends" or "fighter of God." It is derived from the Hebrew words "yārī" meaning "to throw, to shoot" and "ēl" meaning "God." The name is believed to have originated in ancient Israel during the Iron Age, around the 8th century BCE.

Jariel is not a common name in the Bible, but it is mentioned in the Book of Ezra as the name of a priest who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity. In Ezra 8:16, the name Jariel is listed among the heads of families who were sent for to bring Levites to assist in the religious services.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jariel is found in the Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of ancient Jewish religious manuscripts dating back to the 3rd century BCE. The name appears in the Book of Enoch, an ancient Jewish religious work, as the name of an archangel.

In the Middle Ages, the name Jariel was occasionally used by Jewish families in Europe and the Middle East. One notable figure with this name was Jariel ben Shlomo, a 12th-century Jewish philosopher and commentator from Spain.

During the Renaissance period, the name gained some popularity among Christian families in Europe, likely due to its biblical association. One notable bearer of the name was Jariel Borneil, a 16th-century French poet and playwright.

In more recent history, there have been a few notable individuals named Jariel, including Jariel Arrechea, a 20th-century Cuban baseball player, and Jariel Frías, a contemporary Dominican baseball player. Additionally, Jariel Atondo was a 19th-century Mexican military leader who fought in the Mexican-American War.

While not a widely popular name in modern times, Jariel continues to be used occasionally, particularly in Hispanic and Jewish communities, due to its rich historical and religious significance.