'ariadne' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'Ἀριάδνη' (Ariadnē), where the prefix 'ἀρι-' meant 'very' and the second element (often reconstructed as 'ἀδνός' or related to 'ἁγνός') meant 'holy' or 'pure'.

'ariadne' passed from Ancient Greek 'Ἀριάδνη' into Latin usage and later into medieval and modern European languages through classical texts and mythological retellings, eventually becoming the modern English name 'Ariadne'.

Initially the compound name conveyed the sense 'very holy' (as a name-element); over time its primary association shifted to the mythological Cretan princess and, from there, to a personal name and literary/mythical references (and occasional metaphorical uses such as a 'guide through a complex situation').