Arianna

Arianna is the Italian form of Ariadne, the Cretan princess who handed Theseus the thread that led him out of the Minotaur's labyrinth. The name carries that flickering myth forward in four musical syllables, softened by Italian vowels. Handel wrote an opera about her; Arianna Huffington built a media empire around hers. Currently at rank 195 in the U.S., Arianna stays strong, given another boost by Ariana Grande's global pop reign, though this spelling with two n's keeps its continental feel. The nicknames are plentiful: Ari, Anna, Ria. A name that sings even when spoken plainly. Graceful, bright, unmistakably lyrical.