Adrian: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, & Inspiration

Girl name origins & meanings

Adrian is primarily a boy's name, however, it has been growing in popularity amongst girls. Adrian is of Latin origin, meaning "son of Adria" and "dark one." Girl name variations include Adriana and Adrienne.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

The name Adrian is of Latin origin and means "son of Adria" and "dark one." It is also of Greek origin and means "rich." It is derived from Hadrianus, a Roman family name meaning “from Hadria.” There were two towns called Hadria during Roman times, and the Adriatic Sea's name derives from Adrian.

Syllables: 3

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English, southern French, and German : from a vernacular form of the Latin personal name (H)adrianus, originally an ethnic name denoting someone from the coast of the Adriatic (Latin Adria). It was adopted as a cognomen by the emperor who ruled ad 117–138. It was also borne by several minor saints, in particular an early martyr at Nicomedia (died c.304), the patron saint of soldiers and butchers. There was an English St. Adrian (died 710), born in North Africa; he was abbot of St. Augustine’s, Canterbury, and his cult enjoyed a brief vogue after the discovery of his supposed remains in 1091. Later, the name was adopted by several popes, including the only pope of English birth, Nicholas Breakspear, who reigned as Adrian IV (1154–59).

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Paul Simon

Popularity

According to Social Security Administration data, Adrian has been consistently popular, remaining in the top 80 since 2000, toggling between the top 50 and 60 for the last 7 years. It is slowly increasing as the years continue.

However, it is the 26th most popular name on FamilyEducation.com.

According to Google search data analysis, in the last five years Adrian was at its peak popularity in September 2016.

Adrian was rather unpopular until about the 1950s in England. The name Adrian quickly rose in popularity as it was the name of a Pope and several saints. Adrian has since been enjoyed internationally, rising in popularity in America, Sweden, Spain, and Norway. Adrian is a popular name among politicians, musicians, actors, and athletes including: Adrian Martinez, Adrian Paul, Adrian Joss, Adrian Griffin, and Adrian von Mynsicht. The name has also been chosen for characters in Harry Potter, Doctor Faustus, Vampire Academy, and Monk.