What does Ariana mean?
Usually traced to the Greek Ariadne, “most holy.”
What does Eleanor mean?
A name of debated origin, long associated with the Greek for “light” or “bright.” Borne by medieval queens.
Ariana vs Eleanor
Which is more popular?
Eleanor is more popular than Ariana today: about 7,649 US babies were given the name Eleanor in 2025, compared with 2,219 named Ariana.
| Ariana | Eleanor | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Most holy | Of uncertain origin, often “light” |
| Origin | Greek | Greek |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | ar-ee-AH-nuh | EL-uh-ner |
| Syllables | 4 | 3 |
| First appeared | 1957 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 2014 (5,504) | 1920 (8,497) |
| In 2025 | 2,219 | 7,649 |
| Trend | Declining | Rising |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Ariana
Eleanor
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Ariana | Eleanor |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 16,532 | 41,966 |
| 2010s | 41,342 | 40,129 |
| 2000s | 38,010 | 11,187 |
| 1990s | 18,864 | 4,871 |
| 1980s | 4,685 | 2,789 |
| 1970s | 788 | 2,750 |
| 1960s | 154 | 5,938 |
| 1950s | 5 | 11,065 |
| 1940s | 0 | 23,761 |
| 1930s | 0 | 46,379 |
| 1920s | 0 | 74,760 |
| 1910s | 0 | 54,163 |
| 1900s | 0 | 10,030 |
| 1890s | 0 | 4,754 |
| 1880s | 0 | 2,136 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Ariana or Eleanor more popular?
Eleanor is more popular than Ariana today: about 7,649 US babies were given the name Eleanor in 2025, compared with 2,219 named Ariana.
What is the difference between Ariana and Eleanor?
Ariana means Most holy (Greek origin), while Eleanor means Of uncertain origin, often “light” (Greek origin).
Which name is older, Ariana or Eleanor?
In US records, Ariana first appears in 1957 and Eleanor in 1880, so Eleanor has the longer recorded history.