How to say it
AR · i
ˈɑːr.i
Masculine
Ari
Lion
What it means
Hebrew for 'lion'; also a short form of Ariel, Aria, or Aristotle.
Ari is the Hebrew word for 'lion,' a symbol of strength and courage, and a common Israeli name on its own. It doubles as the breezy short for Ariel, Arie, Aria, or even Aristotle, which has helped it spread in English use, with bearers like filmmaker Ari Aster. Short, warm, and a little leonine. It leans male but is used across the board.
How to spell Ari
The standard spelling is Ari. Common variants include Arie, Aari, Arel, but Ari is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #328 in 2022, currently #393 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Nickname
Stands alone or shortens Ariel, Aria, or Aristotle.
- Worth knowing
Hebrew 'lion'; a common standalone name in Israel.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Ari Aster American filmmaker (Hereditary, Midsommar)
Spelling variants
- Arie
- Aari
- Arel
Names with the same feeling
Common questions
- What does the name Ari mean?
- Hebrew for 'lion'; also a short form of Ariel, Aria, or Aristotle.
- What does Ari mean in Hebrew?
- In Hebrew, Ari means "Lion." Ari is the Hebrew word for 'lion,' a symbol of strength and courage, and a common Israeli name on its own. It doubles as the breezy short for Ariel, Arie, Aria, or even Aristotle, which has helped it spread in English use, with bearers like filmmaker Ari Aster. Short, warm, and a little leonine. It leans male but is used across the board.
- Is Ari short for Ariel?
- Yes. Ari is a short form of Ariel, and it carries the same meaning, "Lion." These days many parents use Ari as a given name in its own right, not only as a nickname.
- How do you pronounce Ari?
- Ari is pronounced ˈɑːr.i. Say it as AR-i, with the stress on the "ar" syllable.
- How do you spell Ari?
- The standard spelling is Ari. Common spelling variants include Arie, Aari, Arel.
- Is Ari a boy or girl name?
- Ari is traditionally a masculine name.
- How popular is the name Ari?
- Ari ranked #393 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.