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Adriana

♀ Girl

Pronounced ay-dree-AH-nah /ˌeɪ.dɹiˈɑː.nɑː/High

Meaning: Feminine form of Adrian, from the Latin Hadrianus, meaning 'from Hadria' — an ancient city in northern Italy near the Adriatic Sea, whose name may derive from the pre-Latin 'adur' (dark water, black sea).High

In 30 seconds: Adriana is the melodious feminine form of Adrian, named for the ancient Roman city of Hadria that gave the Adriatic Sea its name. Four flowing syllables of Latin elegance, popular across Italy, Spain, and Latin America.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFeminine form of Adrian, from the Latin Hadrianus, meaning 'from Hadria' — an ancient city in northern Italy near the Adriatic Sea, whose name may derive from the pre-Latin 'adur' (dark water, black sea).
U.S. rank (2025)#366 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births836 girls (0.05% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2006
Total births (all-time)≈ 96,379

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200618882025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Adriana is the feminine form of the Latin Hadrianus, meaning 'from Hadria'. Hadria was an ancient city in northern Italy (in modern Veneto), and the nearby sea was named the Adriatic after it. The city's name may derive from a pre-Latin word meaning 'dark water'. Emperor Hadrian (76–138 CE), who built Hadrian's Wall across northern Britain, is the most famous historical bearer of the masculine form.

Adriana has been a classic name in Italy, Spain, and Latin America for centuries. In the United States, it has charted in the top 150–200 girls' names, particularly in Hispanic communities. Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima (born 1981) is one of the most prominent modern bearers, giving the name an association with extraordinary beauty. It is also popular in Romania and Eastern European countries.

Did you know? Adriana Lima — Brazilian supermodel and Victoria's Secret Angel — has been one of the highest-paid models in the world for over two decades, her extraordinary career making Adriana a name simultaneously associated with Brazilian beauty and global glamour.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name: Adriana — Latin etymology and Roman history connectionSocial Security Administration Name Data — US popularity trends for Adriana

Variations

AdriannaAdrianeHadriana

Nicknames

AdriAnaRia

Famous Bearers

  • ★Adriana Lima (1981–)
    Brazilian supermodel, among the world's highest-paid models and Victoria's Secret Angel.

If you like Adriana…

Viviana— four-syllable Italian and Spanish classic ending in -ana with the same melodic Latin warmth
Valentina— four-syllable Romance feminine name with the same vibrant Latin American and European appeal
Juliana— four-syllable Latin feminine name equally popular in Hispanic and European contexts

Frequently Asked

What does the name Adriana mean?

Adriana means 'from Hadria', the ancient Italian city that gave the Adriatic Sea its name — possibly related to 'dark water'.

How do you pronounce Adriana?

Adriana is pronounced ay-dree-AH-nah (/ˌeɪ.dɹiˈɑː.nɑː/), four syllables with stress on the third.

Is Adriana a boy or girl name?

Adriana is a girl's name; Adrian is the masculine form.

How popular is Adriana?

Adriana ranks in the US top 150–200 girls' names and is a top name across Italy, Spain, and Latin America.