All about the name ADRIAN

Meaning, origin, history.

Adrian is a name of Latin origin that means "dark-haired" or "from Hadria". It comes from the Latin word "ader", which means dark, and the suffix "-ian". Adrian was originally used as a masculine given name in ancient Rome.

The name Adrian became popular during the Middle Ages when Saint Adrian, a Roman soldier who was martyred for his faith, became a revered figure. He is considered the patron saint of butchers and soldiers, among other professions.

Throughout history, the name Adrian has been associated with various notable figures. Some examples include Adrian IV (born Nicholas Breakspear), who was the first English pope in the 12th century; Adrian Goldsworthy, a British historian specializing in ancient Rome; and Adrian Lyne, an Australian film director known for his work on movies like "Fatal Attraction" and "Indecent Proposal".

Today, Adrian remains a popular given name for boys in many countries around the world. It is often used as a standalone name or combined with other names to create compounds such as Adrianus, Adrianco, and Adrianthe. While its popularity may have fluctuated over time, Adrian continues to be seen as a strong and classic choice for parents looking for a meaningful and timeless name for their son.

In addition to its Latin origins, the name Adrian has also gained popularity due to its phonetic similarity to other names with positive connotations, such as Adria (a coastal region in Italy), Adonis (the god of beauty and desire in Greek mythology), and even Hadrian (the Roman emperor after whom the city of Hadrian's Wall is named).

Overall, Adrian is a name with a rich history and a meaningful origin. Its Latin roots give it an air of sophistication, while its association with Saint Adrian lends it a touch of spirituality. Throughout time, Adrian has been worn by kings, scholars, and artists alike, proving itself to be a versatile and enduring choice for parents seeking a memorable name for their child.

Popularity of the name ADRIAN since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The name Adrian has been popular in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its usage since the mid-20th century.

From 1911 to 1946, there were fewer than 50 births per year for the name Adrian. However, starting from 1947, the number of births began to rise significantly. In that year alone, there were 76 births, marking a significant jump from previous years.

The popularity of the name continued to grow throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with over 100 births per year for Adrian starting in 1956. The name reached its peak popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with over 200 births per year from 1967 to 1973.

After reaching its peak, the popularity of the name Adrian began to decline slightly, falling below 200 births per year in 1974. However, it remained relatively popular throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with over 150 births per year for most years during these decades.

In the 21st century, the popularity of the name Adrian has continued to fluctuate. From 2000 to 2017, there were between 160 and 246 births per year for the name. However, since 2018, the number of births has fallen below 100 per year, with only 79 births in 2018.

Overall, Adrian has been a popular name in the United States throughout much of the past century, particularly during the mid-20th century when it reached its peak popularity. While its popularity has declined in recent years, it remains a recognizable and well-liked name for boys.

Name variation ADRIAN.