oriana

Oriana is a female given name of Italian origin that has been adopted in many Western languages. The name is often used in literary and poetic contexts and is sometimes linked to meanings such as "golden" or "sunrise," though etymology varies by source. In fiction and media, Oriana is employed as a lyrical, classical-sounding name for female characters.

Notable people with the name include Oriana Fallaci (1933–2006), the Italian journalist and author known for her interviews and reporting on international affairs. The name has also appeared among artists, scholars, and athletes in various countries, reflecting its broad cultural diffusion.

The name has also been used for ships. The MS Oriana was a British ocean liner launched in 1959 for P&O, later converted for cruise service and widely associated with mid-20th-century ocean cruising. The vessel helped popularize the modern cruise ship era and contributed to the name's visibility in maritime history.

In contemporary usage, Oriana appears as a given name for characters in literature, film, and video games, and as a base for related forms such as Oriane and Orianna, among others. The name's melodic quality gives it enduring appeal across cultures.