Adrienne

Adrienne is a feminine given name of French origin, the feminine form of Adrien, which itself derives from the Latin Adrianus, meaning “from Hadria” or “from the Adriatic Sea.” The name has been used in Europe since the Middle Ages and remains in use in English-speaking countries and Francophone regions.

Pronunciation varies by language and region, but in English it is commonly pronounced AH-dree-en or AY-dree-en. Variants and related names include Adrien (masculine), Adriana, Adria, and Adriane, as well as diminutives such as Adrienney in some communities.

Notable people named Adrienne include the poet Adrienne Rich (1929–2012); the actress Adrienne Barbeau (born 1945); the singer and television personality Adrienne Bailon (born 1983); the fashion designer Adrienne Vittadini (born 1945); the businesswoman Adrienne Maloof (born 1962); the Canadian journalist Adrienne Arsenault (born 1967); and Adrienne Clarkson (born 1939), former Governor General of Canada. Historic figures include the French actress Adrienne Lecouvreur (1660s–1730) and the actress and director Adrienne Shelly (1966–2006).

Adrienne remains a relatively common given name in Western countries, with usage varying by era and region. It is also encountered in literature and popular culture as a feminine given name.