Adriana

Updated: September 26, 2023 by MomsWhoThink Staff

Adriana is the feminine version of the Latin name Adrian and means “from Adria”. As an Italian and Spanish name it has come to mean “dark” as well. The name has been popular in many European countries for centuries but only came to the US in the 1960’s.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Adriana:

In Latin, this name means “from Hadria”. Hadria is a city in northern Italy. Adriana used to be used as a way to denote someone from this city, but the name has since broken out of its original use. Alternatively, the name means “dark” in Italian. Adriana is often associated with the supermodel Adriana Lima, giving the name a powerful and beautiful connotation.

Symbolism of the Name Adriana:

While “dark” may seem to have negative connotations such as mourning and sadness, in some cultures it is also associated with the Holy Spirit. Black is the color of certainty and consistency.

Nicknames for the Name Adriana:

As a longer first name, there are plenty of ways to shorten Adriana. With so many nicknames to choose from, you'll want to take your time thinking about which one is perfect for your child! These are our favorites:

Adrian
Ada
Rian
Adria
Drina
Ana
Ri
Rianna
Addie
Adri
Dree
Andy
Andi
Ads
Driana
Adi

Style of the Name Adriana:

traditional

Gender of the Name Adriana:

Adriana is a girl's name.

Pronunciation of the Name Adriana:

ay-dree-AN-ə (English), a-dree-A-na (Italian, Dutch), a-DHRYA-na (Spanish), a-DRYA-na (Polish)

Number of syllables in the Name Adriana:

four

Emotion evoked from the Name Adriana:

Adriana evokes feelings of vibrance and sophistication.

Alternative spellings for the Name Adriana:

Adrianna, Adryana

Popularity of the Name Adriana:

According to the Social Security Administration, Adriana first became popular in the United States in 1960. The name rose to the top 200 baby girl names in 1988 and stayed there until 2016.