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: Female, 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: Male, 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 - The quirky, brilliant detective known for his obsessive-compulsive tendencies, Adrian Monk solves mysteries while battling his personal anxieties in this hit TV series.
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 Social Security Administration data, Adrian has consistently ranked in the top 100 boys' names in the U.S. since the early 2000s. Its popularity peaked in 2008, when it reached the top 50. The name has Latin origins, meaning "man of Adria," referring to the Adriatic Sea region. Adrian has historical ties to several saints, popes, and notable figures, contributing to its enduring appeal.

In addition to these historical associations, Adrian has gained recognition through its use in pop culture, further solidifying its timeless charm and appeal among parents worldwide.