Discovered 1857 Apr. 15 by N. R. Pogson at Oxford.

Named for the daughter of Minos {see planet (6239)}, second king of Crete, and Pasiphae. Ariadne fell in love with Theseus who was shut up in the labyrinth to be devoured by the Minotaur. She aided his escape with a thread and was later married and forsaken by him. (H 7)