Adrian: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Adrian mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Latin: From Hadria (a town in Northern Italy)
French: Dark one
English: Wealthy

Gender: Unisex

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Adrian is pronounced AY-dree-un

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

What does Adrian mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Latin: From Hadria (a town in Northern Italy)
French: Dark one
English: Wealthy

Gender: Unisex

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Adrian is pronounced AY-dree-un

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.

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 circa 304), St. Adrian, 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 Pope Adrian IV (1154–59).

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Paul Simon

Adrian in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Adrian Monk from Monk - A brilliant but obsessive-compulsive detective.
Adrian Ivashkov from Vampire Academy - A royal Moroi vampire with a tortured soul and a heart of gold.
Adrian Pennino from Rocky - The loving and supportive wife of boxer Rocky Balboa.
Adrian Veidt from Watchmen - Also known as Ozymandias, a genius and former superhero turned antagonist.
Adrian Chase from Arrow - A district attorney who becomes the villain known as Prometheus.

Popularity of the Name Adrian

According to the Social Security Administration, the name Adrian has maintained a strong presence in the US, consistently ranking within the top 100 baby names for several decades. Its popularity can be attributed to its classical origin and widespread acceptance across different cultures.

Adrian derives from the Latin name Hadrianus, meaning "from Hadria," an ancient town in northern Italy, which also gave its name to the Adriatic Sea. The name has been borne by several historical figures, including Pope Adrian IV, the only English pope, and the Roman emperor Publius Aelius Hadrianus, known for building Hadrian's Wall in Britain.

In the realm of arts and entertainment, Adrian is a name shared by notable individuals such as Adrian Grenier, the actor best known for his role in the series Entourage, and Adrian Lester, celebrated for his performances on stage and screen. Fictional characters named Adrian include Adrian Monk from the TV series Monk, and Adrian Veidt (Ozymandias) from the graphic novel and subsequent movie adaptation Watchmen.