The Mystery Behind Ariel’s Name in The Little Mermaid

Did you know that the name Ariel, first popularized by Disney's beloved character, does not originate from traditional mermaid names? The Disney film introduced Ariel as the main mermaid protagonist, but intriguingly, her name has deep roots beyond the obvious marine association. In this article, we explore why the name Ariel was chosen for this iconic character and delve into the symbolic meanings behind it.

Origins of the Name Ariel

Ariel is primarily recognized in Jewish and Christian mysticism and Apocrypha. The term actually means “Lion of God,” a symbol often associated with the holy city of Jerusalem. This meaning, however, doesn’t seem to suggest a 'female juvenile mermaid protagonist' initially, leading many to wonder about the origin of this name in the context of the Disney film.

Interestingly, in Hans Christian Andersen’s original fairy tale, none of the characters had names. Instead, they were referred to by titles like "The Prince," "King of the Sea," "Sea-Witch," or simply by their size and species as "The Little Mermaid." It might seem odd, but the creators’ decision to give every character an actual name in the Disney adaptation allows viewers to connect more deeply with each character.

The Disney Version of The Little Mermaid

In the 1989 Disney film "The Little Mermaid," the main mermaid character was named after the name "Ariel." This was a departure from the original story, as the characters in Andersen's tale were unnamed. The film’s writers aimed to make the characters more relatable and memorable by giving them distinct names and personalities.

Ariel’s name sounds fitting for a mermaid, and it has become synonymous with the character. In fact, many people have their own favorite mermaid names! Here are some of my personal favorites:

It’s interesting to note that Ariel is not typically a name given to girls in many traditional and Hasidic Jewish cultures. This adds another layer of intrigue to why the creators chose it for the small mermaid protagonist.

Choosing Ariel for the Mermaid Protagonist

Why did they name a mermaid Ariel? The inspiration for the name came from Ron Clements, one of the writers. Clements had the idea for the name while brainstorming for the film. He thought it sounded right for a mermaid and stuck with it through the development process. The name was chosen not because of its traditional significance but rather because it suited the character and the story.

The name Ariel comes from a tradition in Jewish mysticism and has a deep spiritual meaning, but in the context of the Disney film, it only needs to sound right for the character. It turned out to be a fitting choice, and the name has become widely recognized with the character.

From the gong show presentation in 1985 where the idea was pitched, the name Ariel was chosen and stayed with the character throughout the development of the film. This choice has had a lasting impact on pop culture and continues to be synonymous with the character of the mermaid protagonist.

Conclusion

In summary, the name Ariel for the mermaid protagonist in "The Little Mermaid" was chosen based on its suitability for the character rather than its traditional meaning. The name has become a beloved part of the Disney franchise, with a rich backstory that includes mysticism and cultural significance.

So, the next time you hear the name Ariel, remember the journey from a mystical name to a beloved Disney character. It's a fascinating story that continues to captivate audiences around the world.