The name Adriano has its origins in the ancient Roman empire, deriving from the Latin name Hadrianus. It is believed to have been derived from the Latin word "hadrianus" which means "from Hadria," a town in northern Italy. The name Hadrianus was first recorded in use during the 1st century AD.

Adriano is a masculine given name that has been used across various cultures and regions over the centuries. One of the earliest and most notable figures with this name was the Roman Emperor Publius Aelius Hadrianus, better known as Hadrian, who ruled from 117 to 138 AD. He was known for his extensive building projects, including the famous Hadrian's Wall in northern England.

In the medieval period, the name Adriano was commonly used in Italy and other parts of Europe. One notable bearer of the name was Adriano Castellesi (1461-1521), an Italian scholar and diplomat who served as the secretary to Pope Leo X. Another was Adriano di Corneto (1520-1592), an Italian painter and sculptor who was a prominent figure in the Mannerist art movement.

During the Renaissance, the name Adriano gained popularity among artists and intellectuals. Adriano Prosperi (1572-1630) was an Italian historian and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of the Italian Reformation. Adriano Banchieri (1568-1634) was an Italian composer, poet, and theorist who is considered one of the founders of the Baroque oratorio.

In the 19th century, Adriano Lemmi (1822-1896) was an Italian patriot and prominent figure in the Italian unification movement. He later became the Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy, a leading Masonic organization.

More recently, Adriano Celentano (born 1938) is an Italian singer, songwriter, comedian, actor, and film director who has enjoyed a successful career spanning over six decades. Adriano Leite Ribeiro (1935-1995) was a Brazilian footballer who played as a defender and is considered one of the greatest players in the history of Brazilian football.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Adriano, a name with rich cultural and historical significance rooted in ancient Roman origins.