Why My Name Isn't Inspired By Disney's Famous Mermaid

When people hear my name is Ariel, they often jump to the conclusion that it's a nod to the beloved Disney mermaid. However, my name's origin story is far more ordinary. As it turns out, my parents simply found it in a baby name book, unaware of any connection to pop culture.

The Mer-Misunderstanding

I arrived just over a year after the iconic animated film about a mermaid seeking life on land became a sensation. Yet, my parents were deep in their studies during that time and were oblivious to the movie's popularity. They chose my name simply because they thought it was beautiful and somewhat rare, unwittingly steering me into lifelong comparisons with the aquatic songstress.

People frequently ask me, 'Like the mermaid?' when they first hear my name. While I politely confirm the resemblance, it often feels repetitive. In truth, the differences between the aquatic heroine and me are significant. The thought of swimming doesn't appeal to me, although I enjoy being in the water. Fortunately, I never needed to plead with a magical sea witch to gain legs and live on land.

More Than Just a Name

One of the starkest contrasts is my fish allergy, adding a touch of irony to my life. As a child, fish didn't appeal to me, but during my teenage years, I decided to give seafood another shot. My mom excitedly prepared several fish dishes, not foreseeing the allergic reaction I'd experience. After testing, we confirmed my sensitivity to fish, rendering any encounter with seafood hazardous.

Beyond mermaid associations, my name has other ties. For instance, it's the name of a moon orbiting Uranus, an ethereal spirit in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest,' and even an archangel. Yet, the earthly association is more amusing: Ariel is a prominent laundry detergent brand in many places outside the U.S. When I moved to France, I often encountered this name coinciding with a cleaning product.

Embracing My Name

Despite the detergent jokes and mermaid queries, I genuinely appreciate my name. My parents saw it as unique yet familiar, mirroring my connection to family history. My sibling and I were named with initials honoring our grandparents, adding a layer of familial significance. While I humorously liken my life to taking an aerial view, being associated with both purity and a princess seems like a pretty good balance.