Julian
Julian is a boy name of Latin origin meaning “Youthful, downy-bearded”, pronounced JOO-lee-un. It ranked #25 in the United States in 2025, given to 7,603 babies, and peaked at #25 in 2025. Common nicknames: Jules, Juli, Jay.
How popular is Julian in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Julian mean, and where does it come from?
Julian derives from the Roman name Julianus, itself from Julius, which is associated with the Greek "ioulos" meaning "downy-bearded" or youthful. The most famous ancient bearer was Julian the Apostate, the last pagan Roman Emperor. The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar, is also named from the same root. Several early saints bore the name, helping it spread throughout medieval Europe. Julian has a warm, cultured sound that crosses cultural boundaries with ease, and it has risen steadily in the modern era.
How is Julian used around the world?
Julian is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 25+ international variants.
Female FormJulianna
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Julian?
Famous People Named Julian
- Julian Assange — founder of WikiLeaks
- Julian Lennon — British musician, son of John Lennon
- Julian of Norwich — medieval English mystic and theologian
Similar Names to Julian
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Sibling Name Ideas for Julian
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Julian mean?
Julian is a boy name of Latin origin meaning "Youthful, downy-bearded." Julian derives from the Roman name Julianus, itself from Julius, which is associated with the Greek "ioulos" meaning "downy-bearded" or youthful. The most famous ancient bearer was Julian the Apostate, the last pagan Roman Emperor.
How do you pronounce Julian?
Julian is pronounced JOO-lee-un. Common variations include Julien, Giuliano, Julio.
Is Julian a boy name?
Yes, Julian is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Jules, Juli, Jay.