The origin of the name Ariconium is uncertain, as is its pre-Roman name. The Romans often named a place in recognition of some feature of the terrain, or in recognition of the people then living in the area. There is a similarity to other Roman place-names such as Viroconium (post-Roman Welsh: Caer Guricon), also known as Uriconium, but as yet no established connection to them.
It is generally believed that Ariconium is the origin of the name of the post-Roman kingdom of Ergyng, although Ariconium was located outside the later boundaries of Ergyng. It is plausible that both derive from an earlier name for a wider area.  In turn, Ergyng is believed to have given its name to Archenfield.
Since 2008, it has been used as the name of a united benefice of six Church of England parishes in the area - Aston Ingham, Hope Mansell, Lea, Linton, Upton Bishop and Weston under Penyard.