Ariel \a-riel\ as a boy's name (also used as girl's name Ariel), is pronounced AR-ee-el. It is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Ariel is "lion of God". Biblical place name for Jerusalem. Also the scriptural name for a place in Sumeria. Literary: Shakespeare gave this name to a prankish spirit who can disappear at will in "The Tempest". The name has otherwordly connotations, and though Shakespeare's Ariel is male, it is more frequently used for girls in modern times. Israeli statesman Ariel Sharon.
Ariel has 12 variant forms: Aeriel, Aeriell, Airel, Airyel, Airyell, Arel, Ari, Arie, Ariell, Arik, Aryel and Aryell.