Adrian

Adrian is a traditionally masculine name, although there are close variations typically used for girls (Adriana and Adrienne). It has Latin roots, stemming from the Roman family name Hadrianus, which was used to signify someone from one of two Roman settlements named Hadria; the name of the Adriatic Sea also comes from this place name. Therefore, the name Adrian means "from Hadria".

Though there have been Adrians documented throughout history dating back to the Middle Ages, it's seen really steady use since 1985, when it finally hit the top 100 in the U.S. Social Security Administration's list of the 1000 most popular baby names. Since then, Adrian has enjoyed an overall rise, though it fluctuates a couple of spots from year to year. Its peak popularity was in 2008 when it stood at #56, but even now, it's still well within the top 70 boy names.

From the Roman emperor Hadrian on down, there have been many notable figures with this name (or at least a variation!). It has been borne by eight saints and six popes. More recently-notable Adrians include actors Adrian Grenier, Adrien Brody, Adrian Paul, and Adrian Pasdar; Nobel Prize winner Edgar Adrian; and baseball hall-of-famer Adrian 'Cap' Anson.

Thanks largely to the popes, the name Adrian is pretty recognizable around the globe — so if your little Adrian turns out to be a world traveler, his name should be easy to pronounce no matter where he goes.

Adrian in quotes:

"Adrian Singleton was the perfect type of the artist, dedicated, as are so many nowadays, to the reproduction of mere shadows." — Oscar Wilde, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'

"Adrian, I've always looked up to you. You're the best friend a guy could ask for." - Michael Emerson in 'The Lost Boys' by Joel Schumacher