Adrian is a name of Latin origin, derived from the ancient Roman family name Aemilius. The name Adrian means "of high rank" or "from Hadria," which was an ancient city in Italy.
The name Adrian has been used throughout history by several notable figures. One of the most famous was Saint Adrian of Nicomedia, who was a Roman legionary and martyr during the 3rd century. He is venerated as a saint in both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In literature, Adrian has appeared in various works such as "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde, where Lord Henry Wotton uses the name Adrian Singleton for his fictional alter ego. Additionally, Adrian Mole, the protagonist of the comedic series of novels by Sue Townsend, is named after a character from Shakespeare's play "The Tempest."
Today, Adrian continues to be popular as a given name for boys around the world. It has also been used as a girl's name in some cultures, particularly in Wales and Ireland. Variations of the name include Adriaan, Adrián, Adriano, Adrien, and Hadrian.
Overall, Adrian is a classic name with a rich history that spans centuries and continents. Its strong meaning makes it a popular choice for parents looking to give their child a powerful and memorable name.
The name Adrion experienced fluctuations over the years, with a notable increase in popularity from around 1984 to 1998, peaking at 21 births in 1998. However, it has since seen a steady decline, with only 5 births recorded in 2020 and 8 in 2022. Overall, there have been 759 babies named Adrion from 1918 to 2022.