Adrian is derived from the Latin name Hadrianus, which means “from Hadria”. There is a town in Italy called Hadria and it is believed that the name was originally applied as a surname to people from there. The Adriatic Sea also derives its name from there. Adrian was a very important name in early Christianity and there were 6 Popes with that name, including Adrian IV, who was the only Englishman to ever become the Pope.