Adrian, of Latin origin, means "from Hadria," an ancient city in Italy. It is a classic male given name that has stood the test of time, popular throughout history and across various cultures. The name Adrian is often associated with strength and leadership, perhaps due to its most notable historical figure bearer, Adrian I, who was a Roman Emperor in the 2nd century. Today, Adrian remains a stylish and timeless choice for parents seeking a strong, traditional name for their sons. It has also gained popularity as a female given name in recent years, likely influenced by its attractive sound and the success of celebrities like Adrianne Palicki and Adrian Grenier. In terms of nicknames, Adrian lends itself to options such as Adrian, Ade, or Ady. The name Adrian is also associated with several saints, including Saint Adrian and the Blessed Adrian Fortescue, further solidifying its religious significance.
The name Adrain experienced a notable rise in popularity from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, with peaks of 26 births in both 1968 and 1970. However, it seems to have declined significantly thereafter, with fewer than 20 births recorded per year between 1973 and 1993, and just 5 births in 1997. Overall, there were a total of 568 babies named Adrain born over this period.