Adrienne – Name Meaning
Adrienne is a French feminine given name, derived from the Latin name Adrianus or Hadrianus. It is a variant of Adriana, which is also derived from Hadrianus. The name Adrienne means “dark one” or “from Hadria” and is often associated with strength and courage.
History of the Name
The name Adrienne has been in use since at least the 16th century. It was popularized by the French writer Honoré d’Urfé, who used it as the name of a character in his novel L’Astrée (1607). The name was also used by other writers such as Jean Racine and Voltaire. In the 19th century, it became popular in France and other parts of Europe.
In the United States, Adrienne first appeared in the Social Security Administration’s list of baby names in 1880. Since then, it has become increasingly popular, reaching its peak in popularity in the 1970s. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet classic name for their daughter.
Popularity
Adrienne is currently ranked #845 on Nameberry’s list of most popular baby girl names. It is particularly popular in France, where it ranks #20 on the list of most popular names for girls. In the United States, it is less common but still ranks #1,717 on Nameberry’s list.
Famous People Named Adrienne
There are many famous people named Adrienne, including:
- Adrienne Bailon – American singer-songwriter and television personality
- Adrienne Barbeau – American actress
- Adrienne Clarkson – Canadian journalist and former Governor General of Canada
- Adrienne Rich – American poet and essayist
- Adrienne Shelly – American actress and director
Variations of the Name
The name Adrienne can be shortened to Addie or Adri. Other variations include Adrianne, Adrianna, Adriano (for boys), and Adrina.