Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Julian
BoyLatin· “belonging to Julius”
- Meaning
- belonging to Julius
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- JOO-lee-uhn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #25
- US babies 2025
- 7,603
- Best rank
- #25 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Julian
Julian is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “belonging to Julius”.
Julian comes from the Latin Julianus, a Roman family name derived from Julius. The meaning of Julius itself is uncertain; it is sometimes linked to the Greek ioulos, "downy-bearded", suggesting youth, though this is debated. The name was borne by the Roman emperor Julian in the fourth century and by several saints. Julian of Norwich, an English mystic of the fourteenth century, wrote the earliest surviving book in English known to be by a woman. The name has been in steady use since the Middle Ages and has a refined, artistic feel. Jules is a common nickname, and Julius and Julien are related forms.
Other spellings with the same sound: Julien.
Popularity over time
Julian has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #25 in 2025, and the most babies received it in 2017, when 8,455 were named Julian. In 2025, 7,603 babies were named Julian, and it ranked #25 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #195 in 1920, #302 in 1950, #280 in 1980, #87 in 2000, #53 in 2010, and #25 in 2025. Of the 264,985 US boys named Julian since records began, 30% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 60,391 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Lincoln, Grayson, Jaxon, Wyatt, and Josiah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Julian ranked highest in California, Texas, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #6 | 1,680 |
| Texas | #10 | 1,115 |
| Nevada | #10 | 89 |
| District of Columbia | #13 | 28 |
| Arizona | #14 | 224 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Julian is usually pronounced JOO-lee-uhn, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Julien.
Middle names for Julian
A few middle names that flow with Julian: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Julian
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Lists that include Julian
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Julian mean?
Julian is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “belonging to Julius”.
What is the origin of the name Julian?
Julian has Latin roots. Julian comes from the Latin Julianus, a Roman family name derived from Julius.
Is Julian a popular name?
Yes. Julian ranked #25 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Julian a boy or girl name?
Julian is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Julian?
Julian is usually pronounced JOO-lee-uhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings