Adrian is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #279 in 2025 with 161 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2013 with 273 births ranking #203. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 1,689 boys born was named Adrian. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Adrian is a polished Latin name that originally meant someone from Hadria, an ancient town in Italy. It has stayed popular because it feels classic, international, and easy to wear.
The name developed from the Roman family name Hadrianus and has a long history in Europe. It was borne by saints, popes, and the Roman emperor Hadrian, which helped it remain familiar over the centuries.