Ariana is a feminine given name, popular in many languages. Arianna and Ariane are the two most common variations. Etymology The name Ariana may be used following several possible following origins. The name Arianna is the Latinized form of the Ancient greek name Ariadne (; ; "most holy", Cretan Greek αρι [ari] "most" and αδνος [adnos] "holy"), the daughter of Minos, King of Crete, and his queen Pasiphaë, daughter of Helios, the Sun-titan, from Greek mythology. Ariana, a term in classical history, from Latin Arianus, Ariana, from Greek Arianē, Areianē, names applied in classical times to the eastern part of ancient Iran and to its inhabitants. Ancient Iranians used the name in reference to themselves (Old Persian ariya-), hence Iran. Ultimately from Sanskrit arya- "compatriot;" in later language "noble, of good family.", was a general geographical term used by some Greek and Roman authors of antiquity for an extensive territory in Central Asia, comprising the eastern part of the Persian empire, now all of Afghanistan and a part of Iran and southeast of Tajikistan. The name of Iran (Persia) originates from the Old Persian word airiyanem (Ariana) meaning "[The Land of] the Aryans". Ariana is sometimes used as a Welsh name, an elaboration of Welsh: arian “silver.” Name days Greece: 18 September. Latvia: 22 February. Poland: 17 September. Russia: 1 October. Popularity In the United States, the name Ariana peaked at 30th most popular name for baby girls in 2014, and was in the top 40th to 100th most popular names during the first and second decades of the 21st century. Arianna also peaked in 2014, at 40th place, and was in the top 50 to low 100s range in the same period. The names are 68th and 95th place for 2017. Notable people Ariana Ariana Barouk (born 1982), Cuban model Ariana Berlin (born 1987), American gymnast and actor Ariana Chris (born 1975), Canadian opera singer Ariana DeBose (born 1991), American actress, singer and dancer Ariana Gillis (born 1990), Canadian singer-songwriter Ariana Grande (born 1993), American singer and actress Ariana Guido (born 1999), American actress Ariana Jollee (born 1982), American pornographic actress Ariana Kelly (born 1976), American politician Ariana Kukors (born 1989), American swimmer Ariana Austin Makonnen (born 1984), American philanthropist Ariana Miyamoto (born 1994), Japanese model Ariana Nozeman (1626–1661), Dutch actress Ariana Reines (born 1982), American poet and activist Ariana Richards (born 1979), American actress and painter Ariana Rockefeller