Adrian – Name Meaning
Adrian is a Latin name derived from Hadrianus, which was the family name of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The meaning of the name is “from Hadria”, referring to the ancient city in northern Italy. It has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages and is still popular today.
History and Origin
The origin of Adrian dates back to Ancient Rome, where it was first used as a surname for members of the gens Aelia, a prominent patrician family. The family was named after their ancestor, Aelius Hadrianus, who was adopted by Emperor Trajan and later became Emperor Hadrian himself. The name eventually spread throughout Europe and became popular in England during the Middle Ages.
Popularity
Adrian has been a popular name in many countries over the years. In the United States, it peaked in popularity in the early 2000s and has since declined slightly but remains a top 100 name. In England, it has been consistently popular since the 19th century and is currently ranked in the top 50 names for boys.
Famous People Named Adrian
There are many famous people with the name Adrian, including:
- Adrian Peterson – NFL running back
- Adrian Grenier – actor best known for his role on Entourage
- Adrian Brody – Academy Award-winning actor
- Adrian Chiles – British television presenter
- Adrian Lyne – film director
Variations of Adrian
The variations of Adrian include Adrien, Adriana (for girls), Adriane, Adrianna, Adrina, and Adryana.
