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I would pronounce both Ariana and Arianna as ah-ree-AH-na. I do count them as pretty much the same name. Same with Aryana and Aryanna, both of which I've seen, as well as an Aureana (I think that's how it was spelled). I also wouldn't pronouce Aaron as "AIR-en," more like AR-en, with the a sound flat. Like in "carry." Although I suppose some people would say that with an "air" sound in it, too... take the "a" sound from "flat" and throw an R on the end of it. AR-on. But ah-ree-AH-na.

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ETA: I think the name is pretty, but is trendy and kind of weak. It is too common for my taste, and not in a timeless way like Elizabeth or Julia or Sarah. I know three Ariana / Ariannas, and they're all in my age demographic (18-24). I feel like I saw half a million Arianas when I was working in an infant research lab, so it feels wildly trendy. I'd prefer using Ariadne or Ariadna.

This message was edited 12/28/2011, 12:33 PM