Rising since 1989, #2,604 for boys today.
Popularity of Hadrian since 1970
Babies named Hadrian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 14 |
| 1980s | 13 |
| 1990s | 51 |
| 2000s | 207 |
| 2010s | 330 |
| 2020s | 214 |
Meaning & origin
Hadrian is a name of Latin origin, rooted in the Roman family name Hadrianus, meaning 'from Hadria.' Historically associated with Emperor Hadrian, known for his building projects and Hadrian's Wall, the name has seen a steady resurgence in recent decades. In 2025, it ranked 2,604 in the U.S., with a 1-in-34,162 frequency, showing a rising trajectory since 1989. Its peak year was 2025, with Texas as the top state. The name offers a strong, classical alternative to the more common Adrian, appealing to parents drawn to history and distinctive yet established names.
Hadrian is derived from the Roman family name Hadrianus, which itself comes from the name of the town Hadria (modern Atri in Abruzzo, or Adria in Veneto). The most famous bearer was the Roman emperor Publius Aelius Hadrianus, who ruled from 117 to 138 CE and built Hadrian's Wall in Britain. The name was revived in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, likely influenced by the historical figure and the similar name Adrian.
Where Hadrian is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Hadrian” around the world
Where Hadrian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Had, Hadri
Sibling names for Hadrian
Names that share Hadrian's style, for a brother or sister.
