Adrian

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ORIGIN AND HISTORY

Adrian derives from the Latin name Hadrianus, a regional name meaning "from Hadria." Hadria was a town in Italy. The Adriatic sea derives its name from the same source.^[1] It was originally a surname, given to those from the area near the Adriatic sea.^[1] Adrian was an important name in early Christianity, as there were six Popes and several martyrs named Adrian.^[1]

Adrian may also come from a German name that means "dark."^[1]

POPULARITY

Adrian was a popular name in the 19th and 20th centuries, but it is currently more popular than it has ever been. It has been a top 100 boy's name since 1990, and in 2007 ranked 61st, its highest yet.

Adrian may also be used as a girl's name. It first appeared on the top 1000 girl's chart in 1949, and rose to a high point of number 439 in 1983. Popularity has been decreasing, however, and in 2000, Adrian ranked as the 998th most popular girl's name in the United States. It has not returned to the top 1000 chart since.^[1]

As a boy's name, Adrian is very popular in other countries. In 2005, it was the 3rd most popular name in Norway, the 5th most popular in Spain, the 51st most popular in Austria and the 64th most popular in Sweden. It is also a top 1000 name in Canada, Belgium and Australia.^[1]

FACTS

The following days are considered Name Days for Adrian:

• January 9th
• March 1st
• March 4th (Poland, Sweden)
• March 5th (Hungary)
• March 19th
• March 23rd (Slovakia)
• July 8th (Poland)
• July 9th
• September 8th
• December 21st^[1]

NAMESAKES

• Adrian College, Minnesota
• Adrian's Restaurant, Massachusetts
• Adrian, Georgia
• Adrian, Michigan
• Adrian, New York

FAMOUS PERSONS

• Adrian Belew: musician, band: King Crimson (born December 23, 1949)
• Adrián Beltré Perez: baseball player, Seattle Mariners (born April 7, 1979)
• Sir Adrian Cedric Boult: English conductor (born April 8, 1889)
• Adrien Brody: actor (born April 14, 1973)
• Adrian Dunbar: actor (born August 1, 1958)
• Adrian Erlandsson: musician (drummer), band: Cradle of Filth (born October 27, 1970)
• Adrian Gilbert Scott: architect (born 1882)
• Adrian Gonzalez: baseball player, San Diego Padres (born May 8, 1982)
• Adrian Grenier: actor (born July 10, 1976)
• Adrian Darnell Griffin: basketball player, Chicago Bulls (born July 4, 1974)
• Adrian Jamal McPherson: football player, quarterback (born May 8, 1983)
• Adrian Moorhouse: Olympic swimmer (born May 24, 1964)
• Adrian Paul: actor, best known for Highlander: The Series (born May 29, 1959)
• Adrian Smith: musician, band: Iron Maiden (born February 27, 1957)
• Adrian Young: musician (drummer), band: No Doubt (born August 26, 1969)
• Edgar Douglas Adrian: 1932 Nobel Prize Winner for Medicine (born November 30, 1889)

Author: Sarena Emily Levinson

NOTES

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian http://www.yeahbaby.com/celebrity-namesakes.php?name=Adrian