Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Adriana

Adriana is a feminine given name derived from Adrian which dates back to Antiquity. Adrian comes from the Latin word “hadrianus” meaning ‘man from Hadria’, an ancient city in northern Italy on the Adriatic Sea. The name was most notably borne by the 2nd century Roman Emperor, Hadrian (Publius Aelius Hadrianus). Hadrian is best known for erecting Hadrian’s Wall in England, then the most northern point of the ever-expanding empire. The intent was to protect the new Roman provinces from attacks by the Scottish tribes. The 75-mile long wall took 10 years to build, parts of which are still very visible today across the rolling hills of northern England. Many Roman Catholic Popes used the name Adrian in the Middle Ages, most notably, Pope Adrian IV (12th century), who has the distinction of being the only English-born Pope to this day. As an English name, Adrian has been around since the Middle Ages and beyond. The female version of the name, Adriana, comes more from the French Adrienne than the English, however.

All About the Baby Name – Adriana

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME ADRIANA

The Three energy is powerful and enthusiastic. These personalities are cheerful, full of self-expression, and often quite emotional. They have an artistic flair and "gift-of-gab" that makes them natural entertainers. Their joyfulness bubbles over, and their infectious exuberance draws a crowd. The Three personality is like a child - forever young and full of delight. They are charming, witty, and generally happy people. The Three personality lives in the "now" and has a spontaneous nature. Threes seem to live with a bright and seemingly unbreakable aura that attracts others to them. In turn, they are deeply loyal and loving to their friends and family. Luck also has a tendency to favor number Threes.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME ADRIANA

The name Adriana debuts on the American popularity charts for the first time in 1960. From that point forward, Adriana has demonstrated pretty steady growth. There have been no significant jumps on the charts one way or the other, and yet it seems to maintain this upward escalation in usage. The name has yet to reach the Top 100 list of most-favored girls’ names but seems to be lingering right around there. Adriana is one of the few four-syllable names that don’t take forever to spell. And while it doesn’t sound as French or sophisticated as Adrienne, it fits the trend of “ana” type names that American parents are attracted to right now. The name’s popularity is also fueled by the growing Hispanic population in the U.S. It’s a pretty, feminine choice for a girl’s name.

Quick Facts

ON ADRIANA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

4

RANKING POPULARITY:

151

PRONUNCIATION:

AY-dree-ann-ah

SIMPLE MEANING:

(Wo)man from Hadria (Adriatic Sea)

Characteristics

OF ADRIANA

Communicative

Creative

Optimistic

Popular

Social

Dramatic

Happy

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Adriana

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ADRIANA

Adriana is a character in William Shakespeare’s 1594 play, The Comedy of Errors. Two sets of separated twins are at the center of this comedy, masters and servants, one set from Syracuse, one from Ephesus, each set bearing the same names. The (un)lucky Adriana is wife to the Ephesian master, Antipholus. Naturally, she sees and misinterprets actions on the part of the Syracusean Antipholus, and believes her husband is being unfaithful to her, and this drives her to distraction. Adriana’s take on things is that her husband may be a bounder, but he’s her bounder. She subscribes very much to the idea that the man is lord and master of the woman, and if he strays, it most likely is the woman’s fault. Eithershe is not attractive enough, or she nags too much – whatever it may be, it’s her fault. This isn’t very appealing to a post modern audience, and we do welcome her sister, Luciana’s, protests on behalf of a more egalitarian view of marriage. Nonetheless, Adriana is who she is, adamantly so, and she never really betrays her own soul. At play’s end, all the “errors” are uncovered and all is well again – especially Adriana.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ADRIANA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Adriana


Popular Songs

ON ADRIANA

Pretty Little Adriana
a song by Vince Gill

Famous People

NAMED ADRIANA

Adriana Barraza (actress/director)
Adriana Karembeu (model)
Adriana Lima (model)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ADRIANA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Adriana

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ADRIANA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Adriana