Adrian
Adrian comes from the Latin "Hadrianus," meaning "from Hadria" — a town in northern Italy. The Roman Emperor Hadrian (reigned 117-138 CE) is the most famous bearer — he built Hadrian's Wall across northern England and was one of the "Five Good Emperors." Six popes have been named Adrian. The name has been continuously used since Roman times. Adrian has been in the US top 1000 every year since 1880, and in the top 100 since 1990. Adrian Brody (born 1973), the actor who won the Oscar for "The Pianist" (2002) at age 29 (the youngest Best Actor winner ever), gave the name a contemporary charge. Adrian (the Roman emperor) gave the name classical weight. I find Adrian has an elegant, slightly Latin quality — the "A" opening is open, the "dr" cluster gives it weight, and the "an" ending gives it length. Adrian is one of those names that sounds both classic and contemporary. Adrian is a male name of Latin origin that means "From Hadria (town in northern Italy)". Elegant, Latin, and classic. The name sounds graceful. Adrians tend to be artistic. US top 100 since 1990. Well-known people named Adrian include Emperor Hadrian, Adrian Brody (actor), Saint Adrian (martyr), Adrian (fictional, various). Common variations and related forms of Adrian include Adrien (French), Adriano (Italian), Hadrian (older form), Adrián (Spanish).