Aria Overview
- Meaning: Aria means “song” or “air” in Italian. It also means “lion of God” in Hebrew or “lioness” in Greek. In Persian, it means “noble.”
- Gender: Aria is typically a female name in Italian and Greek, but unisex in Persian.
- Origin: It has many origins, including Italian, Hebrew, and Persian.
- Pronunciation: Aria is most commonly pronounced as “AR-ee-uh.”
- Popularity: Since 2000, the name Aria has become more and more popular in the United States. Its popularity peaked in 2018, and it is still number 22 for girls’ names.
- Nicknames: Ari, Arie, Arri, Arrie, Arry, R, Ree, Ri, Riri.
- Variations: Adrianna (Latin), Amirah (Arabic), Ari (Hebrew), Ariea (Hebrew), Ariella (Hebrew), Ariah (Italian), Arya (Persian).
- Namesakes: Arya Nasimi-Shad (Iranian Olympic swimmer), Arya Stark (fictional character)
Aria has been a name for many centuries. It has numerous meanings and origins but only recently became a popular choice for girls. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the name.
What Does Aria Mean?
The name Aria can mean many things. In Italian, Aria translates as “song” or “melody.” It can also mean “air,” which is a musical term. It describes a vocal solo within a larger work, usually an opera.
In Greek, the name means “lioness.” It is also short for Ariana, which means “very holy.”
Additionally, Aria means “noble” in Persian and “lion of God” in Hebrew.
What Is the Origin of the Name Aria?
The name Aria has many potential origins. However, its predominant use can be traced back to Italy and its association with music. The Italian term derives from the Greek “ἀήρ” and the Latin “aer.” Both translate as “air.” It first appeared in connection with music in the 14th Century (1).
How Popular is the Name Aria?
Aria first made the United States charts in 2000, when it was fairly popular. It became increasingly popular and was one of the top 100 girl names in 2012.
Aria ranked in the top 50 in 2013 and broke into the top 20 in 2017. It peaked at number 19 in 2018 (2).
At present, Aria remains popular and is number 22 on the charts. However, Aria has not fallen within the top 1,000 boy names from 2000 to the present.
Since 2010, the name Aria has grown in popularity outside of the United States, as well. In Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, and Scotland, it has reached the top 60 baby names.
How Do I Pronounce Aria?
The most common pronunciation of Aria is “AR-ee-uh.“
Is Aria a Boy or Girl Name?
Aria is most commonly a girl’s name. However, depending on the region, it can be a boy’s name. In the United States, it is predominantly a girl’s name, though there are a few instances of it being given to boys.
In Italian and Greek, Aria is a girl’s name. In Persian, Aria can be a boy’s or girl’s name.
Variations of Aria
Aria is a beautiful name that has caught the attention of many cultures. Some variations include:
- Adrianna (Latin)
- Amirah (Arabic)
- Ari (Hebrew)
- Ariea (Hebrew)
- Ariella (Hebrew)
- Ariah (Italian)
- Arya (Persian)
Nicknames for Aria
Aria is already a short name, but there are some unique nicknames to mix it up a bit. A few examples are:
- Ari
- Arie
- Arri
- Arrie
- Arry
- R
- Ree
- Ri
- Riri
Similar Names to Aria
Do you like the name Aria, but want to compare it to others? Here are some names similar to Aria based on the meaning or sound:
Middle Names for Aria
Aria consists of three syllables, so shorter middle names tend to pair with it best. Some middle names to consider include:
Sibling Names for Aria
Many parents prefer that the names of their children complement each other. If you already have a child named Aria, consider this list of possible sibling names:
For a Brother:
For a Sister:
Famous People Named Aria
Are you interested in naming your child after a famous person? Although Aria is unique, some notable famous people have this name. Some of these celebrities include:
- Aria Aber: An American writer and poet.
- Aria Clemente: A Filipina singer and actress.
- Arya Nasimi-Shad: An Iranian Olympic swimmer.
- Aria Summer Wallace: An American actress.
- Aria Wiraraja: A Javanese warrior.
- Saint Aria: An ancient Roman martyr.
Aria in Popular Culture
Pop culture has always had an impact on baby names. With the rise of a few TV series, Aria has become quite popular. These are a couple of instances of the name Aria in popular culture:
- Aria: Character in the anime series “Pokemon.”
- Aria Blaze: Antagonist from the TV series “My Little Pony.”
- Aria Montgomery: Character from the TV series “Pretty Little Liars.”
- Aria of the Sea: Novel by Dia Calhoun.
- Arya Stark: Character from the TV series “Game of Thrones.”
Aria FAQs
You may have heard the name Aria under circumstances other than those described above. Below are some additional examples of the word ‘aria’, and a deeper look at the musical term.
Who Is Areia in Greek Mythology?
Areia was a nymph in Greek mythology. She had a son named Miletus, whom she hid among smilax plants. Areia’s father, Cleochus, found him there and named him (3).
What Are Some Famous Arias in Operas?
One of the most famous arias can be found in Mozart’s opera, “Die Zauberflöte.” The Queen of the Night sings “Der Hölle Rache” to her daughter to demand that she kill Sarastro. This aria is the most famous soprano aria.
Giacomo Puccini composed a few famous arias within his operas. In “Gianni Schicchi,” you will find “O mio babbino caro,” which is often performed in recitals. “Turandot” consists of the famous aria “Nessun Dorma.” Yet another famous aria, “Quando me’n vo,” is from his opera “La bohème”.
What is ARIA in Las Vegas?
ARIA is a resort and casino in Las Vegas. It is known for being local to many entertainment venues, its luxury suites, and its grand views.
