Ariadna

Ariadna is a given name for females, derived from the Greek name Ariadne (Αριάδνη). The name's etymology is debated, with some scholars suggesting it means "most holy" or "utterly pure," combining the Greek words "ari" (very) and "adnos" (holy). Others propose a derivation from Minoan, predating Greek, with possible meanings related to the sea.

In Greek mythology, Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos of Crete and his wife Pasiphaë. She is most famously known for her role in the myth of the Minotaur. When the Athenian hero Theseus arrived in Crete, Ariadne fell in love with him. To help him navigate the Labyrinth and defeat the Minotaur, she gave him a ball of thread, allowing him to retrace his steps. After Theseus killed the Minotaur, Ariadne fled Crete with him. However, Theseus abandoned her on the island of Naxos, where she was later found and married by the god Dionysus.

The name Ariadna and its variants are used in many cultures. It has seen periods of popularity, often influenced by literary and artistic representations of the myth. The story of Ariadne continues to be a recurring theme in art, literature, and opera, contributing to the enduring recognition of the name.