The name Adrijana is derived from the Latin name Hadrianus, which was a Roman family name that originated from the city of Hadria, now known as Atri, in central Italy. The name is believed to have its roots in the ancient Illyrian language, which was spoken in parts of the Balkans and along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

In ancient Roman times, the name Hadrianus was borne by several notable figures, including the Roman emperor Publius Aelius Hadrianus, who ruled from 117 to 138 AD. He is best known for the construction of Hadrian's Wall in Britain and the Pantheon in Rome. The name Adrijana is a feminine form of the name Hadrianus, with the addition of the 'a' ending, which is common in many Slavic languages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Adrijana can be found in the 16th century, when it was used by the Croatian noblewoman Adrijana Zrinski (1553-1625). She was a member of the influential Zrinski family and played a significant role in the cultural and political life of Croatia during the Renaissance period.

Another notable bearer of the name was Adrijana Košutić (1799-1832), a Croatian writer and poet who was part of the Illyrian movement, which aimed to promote the cultural and linguistic unity of the South Slavic peoples. She is remembered for her contributions to the development of Croatian literature and her efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of the region.

In the 20th century, Adrijana Bjeliš (1923-2004) was a renowned Croatian actress who appeared in numerous theater productions, films, and television shows. She was recognized for her versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters, and she received numerous awards and honors throughout her career.

Another notable bearer of the name was Adrijana Lecouvreur (1692-1730), a French actress who was considered one of the greatest tragic actresses of her time. She was renowned for her performances in the works of Corneille, Racine, and Voltaire, and her tragic death at a young age only added to her legacy and fame.

Finally, Adrijana Dimitrijevič (1979-present) is a contemporary Serbian actress and model who has appeared in numerous films and television shows in Serbia and across the Balkans. She is known for her versatility and her ability to portray complex and nuanced characters, and she continues to be a prominent figure in the Serbian entertainment industry.