Julian name meaning might vary, as the name’s origin was shrouded in history. Nevertheless, there are two acceptable roots, either of which gives the name beautiful meanings.
Despite its mysterious roots, Julian sounds incredibly cute and lively. I bet you’ll love waking up your kid by calling this sweet name every morning!
If “Julian” is currently on your baby name list, it’s worth consulting this analysis. This guide also suggests some fantastic sibling and middle names that you can give your kids.
An Overview Of The Name Julian
Before going into details, here are some important facts to know about the name:
Meaning | Julian means “downy-bearded”, “youthful” in Latin, and “devoted to Jove”, or “father of the sky” in Greek. |
Origin | Latin, Greek |
Pronunciation | /Jool-ee-in/ |
Gender | Mostly given as a male name. |
Popularity | Julian is quite a common boy name in the US. It has been in the top 50th choices for boys since 2013. Its highest ranking was 31st on the boy name popularity chart in 2019. |
Variations | Julián, Juliano, Julião, Julio, Juliano, Julyan, Julien, Jolyon, Julien, Julius, Giuliano, Iulian/Yulian, Iulian, etc. |
Nicknames | Ian, Jay, Jewel, Jools, Jude, Juju, Julek, Julen, Jule, Jules, Julie, July, Lian, etc. |
Similar Names | Similar names to Julian: Adrian, Cillian, Daniel, Damian, Eirian, Gabriel, Sebastian, etc. Similar names to Julian’s female variants: Elianna, Jewel, Jillian, Julie, Jullian, Leana, Liana, etc. |
Sibling Names | ● For Boys: Archie, Augustus, Gabriel, Jason, Lucius, Nick, etc. ● For Girls: Alice, Ayla, Evelyn, Marina, Simone, etc. |
Middle Names | ● For Boys: Alexander, Clarke, Daniel, Patrick, Randall, Roy, Vincent, etc. ● For Girls: Amelia, Catherine, Charlotte, Clara, Eleanor, Marguerite, Sabrina, etc. |
The Name Julian: Origin & Meaning
Julian comes from the Roman name “Julianus”, a derivative of “Julius”. “Julius” is a Roman family name whose origin remains unknown. Possible roots of this name include Greek and Latin.
With its Greek origin, Julian is thought to come from “ιουλος” (ioulos), which means “downy-bearded”. This interpretation connotes youth because young ages are when people grow their first soft hair on their chin. Thus, Julian carries the meaning of “youthful” or “juvenile”.
Regarding its Latin root, it’s derived from the word “Jovilius” for “devoted to Jove”. Jove is a name for the King of Gods Jupiter in ancient Roman mythology. He was known as the god of the sky, so the name Julian ultimately means “father of the sky” (1).
Is Julian A Boy Or Girl Name?
Julian is prominent as a masculine name. In Roman times, it was the name of the last pagan Roman emperor – Julian the Apostate (361 to 363). There was also an important Roman Catholic saint named Julian the Hospitaller living around the same time.
The name first appeared in England in the 13th century, when it was more popular as a girl name. In the US, Julian is among the common boy names in recent years. “Julianne”, “Julia”, “Julianna” and “Julienne” are its female equivalents.
How Popular Is Julian Over Time?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), Julian is a popular boy’s name in the US. Starting at the 226th spot in 1900, the name was consistently in the top 500 choices for boys up to now.
It has been even more widely used since the early 2000s. This was when Julian landed in the top 100 US most used boy names.
Since then, its popularity has risen steadily, reaching its peak in 31st place in 2019. The latest data shows Julian was America’s 33rd most common name for boys in 2021 (2).
American parents rarely choose Julian as a given name for their baby girls. It didn’t belong to the top 1000 options for female names in the US over the same period.
Julian Spelling Variations
Because Julian has been around for a long time, it has a few variations. Below are just a few examples:
Nicknames And Similar Names
Looking for a nickname to call your little Julian? Here are some cute monikers that sound like “Julian” but are more informal and intimate:
Here are extra options similar to “Julian” you can consider. These three-syllable names might have different roots or mean entirely different things:
If you’re considering female variants of Julian, also check out these names that sound similar. Some have close meanings to Julian, while others have different (yet equally pretty) meanings.
Ideal Sibling Names To Go With Julian
Already decided to go with Julian? Then, take notes of these ideal sibling names to pair with the name.
For Son
In case you plan to have a child named Julian, you may want to add one or two options below for his future brother:
For Daughter
These baby girl names will sound fantastic next to “Julian”. You’ll love their meanings, too:
Middle Names To Go With Julian
The right choice of middle names can give extra depth to the full name. If you’re still looking for inspiration, here are some options that sound good together with “Julian”. Since Julian is mostly used for boys, this short list is made up of exclusively male middle names:
Try these male middle names with “Julian” to see if they fit. Also, check out their meanings for a perfect full name that accompanies your boy for the rest of his life.
Is Julian Common In Popular Culture?
Julian is also commonly used for fictional characters. You’ve probably heard of the name in several TV series and movies:
Famous People Named Julian
There is a long list of notable personalities named Julian. These famous Julains will surely encourage your kid to reach for success in his/her life:
FAQs
Besides important facts to know, I also answer some questions that might leave you wondering:
Does “Julian” Sound Like A Good Choice?
Julian can be considered a longtime favorite, with its high ranking on the boy name popularity chart. Yet, the name can make a special gift if you decide it for your girls, too. Don’t forget to check amazing middle names and sibling names to pair with Julian.
How do you feel about this name? Feel free to tell me by dropping a comment. Share this post if you like the content. Check out my other articles if you want to find out more wonderful names for your babies!
Reference
- britannica.com. 2022. Jupiter Roman god
- ssa.gov. 2022. The Popularity Of A Name
- theoi.com. 2019. What is the Story of Jason and the Golden Fleece?
Helen Doanna
Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator
Expertise
Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher
Education
1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US
Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.