MallowbyNames

Adriaan

AH-dree-ahn · Man from Hadria, a northern Italian town; or meaning 'dark'.

2025 rank (boys)
#9,714
Babies named in 2025
7
Peak popularity
2013
2025 frequency
1 in 244,011 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #9,714 for boys today.

Popularity of Adriaan since 1977

Babies named Adriaan per year in U.S. Social Security records.

4711198020002020Most births 2011Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1970s5
1980s0
1990s5
2000s17
2010s65
2020s13

Meaning & origin

Adriaan is a distinctly Dutch variant of Adrian, reflecting a naming tradition that prioritizes regional identity. In the United States, the name has been in use since 1977, though it remains very rare: as of 2025, approximately 1 in every 244,011 newborns is named Adriaan, with a rank of 9714. Its most popular year was 2013, and its trajectory has been stable over the past decade. The name has no strong association with any U.S. state, hinting at its status as a niche choice often tied to Dutch heritage. Families who choose Adriaan may appreciate its classic roots and the subtle distinction from the more common Adrian.

Adriaan is the Dutch form of the Latin name Hadrianus, which derives from Hadria, a town in northern Italy (modern Adria). The name was borne by several early saints and six popes, most notably Pope Adrian VI, a Dutchman. Its meaning is sometimes linked to Latin 'ater' (dark) or 'adria' (sea); the Hadriatic Sea was named after the town. The name has been common in the Netherlands and Flanders since the Middle Ages.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ad, Aad, Adri, Arie

Variants: Adrian, Hadrian, Adrien

Sibling names for Adriaan

Names that share Adriaan's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Adriaan, our favorite little boy.

A is for Adriaan…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Adriaan's letter becomes Adriaan's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Adriaan's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Adriaan mean?
Adriaan means 'man from Hadria' or 'from the city of Adria', and is etymologically related to the name Adrian.
How popular is Adriaan?
Adriaan has been recorded since 1977 and ranks around 9714 in the U.S. as of 2025, with about 1 in 244,011 newborns receiving the name. It peaked in 2013.
Is Adriaan a boy's name?
Yes, Adriaan is traditionally a boy's name, the Dutch form of Adrian.