Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Ariadne
GirlGreek· “most holy”
- Meaning
- most holy
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- air-ee-AD-nee
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #1,758
- US babies 2025
- 115
- Best rank
- #732 (2016)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Ariadne
Ariadne is a Greek name that is usually said to mean “most holy”.
Ariadne is the princess of Crete in Greek mythology who helped Theseus escape the Labyrinth by giving him a ball of thread. After being abandoned on the island of Naxos, she became the wife of the god Dionysus. Her name is usually interpreted as most holy, from Greek elements meaning very and pure or sacred. Ariadne has long been admired in art, literature and opera. It feels graceful, intelligent and mythic, and it has gained attention as parents seek classical names. Ari, Addie and Ariana are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Ariadne first appears in US Social Security records in 1960. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 6 different years, starting in 2014. Its best national rank was #732 in 2016, the same year it reached its highest count of 389 babies. In 2025, 115 babies were named Ariadne, and it ranked #1,758 nationally. That is 69% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,567 in 1980, #2,783 in 2000, #2,046 in 2010, and #1,758 in 2025. Of the 4,824 US girls named Ariadne since records began, 54% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,126 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Aubrielle, Hadlee, Averi, Amaris, and Alannah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ariadne ranked highest in Illinois, Texas, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | #938 | 9 |
| Texas | #953 | 30 |
| California | #1278 | 19 |
| Georgia | #1384 | 6 |
| Florida | #2195 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Ariadne is usually pronounced air-ee-AD-nee, with four syllables. It has seven letters, starts with A and ends in “-ne”.
Middle names for Ariadne
A few middle names that flow with Ariadne: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ariadne
Similar names
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hur-MY-uh-nee
“of Hermes” · Greek
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DAF-nee
“laurel” · Greek
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Arianne Girl
air-ee-AN
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ih-VAN-juh-leen
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Daphne Girl
DAF-nee
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Selene Girl
suh-LEEN
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Persephone Girl
pur-SEF-uh-nee
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Andromeda Girl
an-DRAH-muh-duh
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Penelope Girl
puh-NEL-uh-pee
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Ariana Girl
ar-ee-AH-nuh
“most holy; form of Ariadne” · Italian
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Arianna Girl
ar-ee-AH-nuh
“most holy” · Italian
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Irene Girl
eye-REEN
“peace” · Greek
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Lists that include Ariadne
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ariadne mean?
Ariadne is a Greek name that is usually said to mean “most holy”.
What is the origin of the name Ariadne?
Ariadne has Greek roots. Ariadne is the princess of Crete in Greek mythology who helped Theseus escape the Labyrinth by giving him a ball of thread.
Is Ariadne a popular name?
Not especially. Ariadne ranked #1,758 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ariadne a boy or girl name?
Ariadne is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Ariadne?
Ariadne is usually pronounced air-ee-AD-nee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings