Adrian is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Aemilius, which means "to strive for excellence." It was a popular name among ancient Romans and has since become widespread across many cultures, particularly in Europe and North America. The name Adrian can also be associated with Saint Adrian, who was a martyr during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians. Over time, Adrian has evolved into various spelling variations such as Adrean, Adrián, Adrià, Adriano, and others. It is often paired with other names to create combinations like Adrianne or Adrienne for females, and Adriana for males. The name Adrian has been used by numerous notable figures throughout history, including artists, writers, musicians, and politicians, reflecting its enduring popularity and appeal across generations and cultures.
The name Adrean experienced its peak popularity from 1977 to 1984, with a significant spike in 1984 (26 births). However, it has since seen a decline, with fewer than 15 births per year after 1985. The name's most recent notable years were 2007 and 2009, with 7 and 6 births respectively. Overall, Adrean has been born 410 times between 1947 and 2012.