Ariella

Ariella is the feminine elaboration of the Hebrew Ariel, "lion of God," a name Isaiah uses as a poetic byword for Jerusalem. Adding the Italianate ending turns the warrior poetry into something more songlike, four syllables with a soft landing. Distinct from the Disney mermaid's shorter Ariel, Ariella carries more embroidery, more old-country warmth. It entered the U.S. top 1000 only in 2009 and has climbed steadily, currently at rank 196. The nicknames write themselves: Ari, Ella, Ella-bella. Ariella feels both biblical and modern, a name with Mediterranean light and a Hebrew spine. Luminous, brave at heart, quietly ornate.