Adrienne

Adrienne came into use in America in the late 19th century but didn’t start to show promise until the 1930s. In fact, the name shot up over 200 positions in one year alone (1932) after a movie called “The Death Kiss” was released starring an actress named Adrienne Ames. This was in the early days of “talkies” and Ames was popular enough to move the needle on the usage of her pretty name. Adrienne remained a moderate name choice in America through the 1960s and then saw another slight push up the charts in the mid-1970s, this time owing to another contemporary actress (Adrienne Barbeau). Barbeau played the daughter of Bea Arthur on the highly popular sitcom “Maude” (1972-1978) which was a spin-off from the iconic “All in the Family” series. Adrienne’s peak usage as a female name in America came in 1983 at position #140 on the charts. The 21st century has been less kind to this old French beauty, however; today the name is much less common. Adrienne has been forced to step aside for the frillier four-syllable Adriana (which is a Top 150 name). However, the French Adrienne sounds more sophisticated and less flowery or flashy. It also has a more gender-neutral sensibility which adds to her appeal.