Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Julien
BoyFrench, Latin· “from Julius; meaning uncertain”
- Meaning
- from Julius; meaning uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- JOO-lee-uhn
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #709
- US babies 2025
- 380
- Best rank
- #533 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Julien
Julien is often said to mean “from Julius; meaning uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to French and Latin roots.
Julien is the French form of Julian, from the Latin Julianus, which derives from Julius, the name of the Roman family of Julius Caesar. The meaning of Julius is uncertain; it has been linked to Greek ioulos, "downy-bearded", or to the god Jupiter, but neither is settled. Julien Sorel is the ambitious hero of Stendhal's novel The Red and the Black. In France Julien is pronounced zhoo-LYAN, while in the United States it is often said JOO-lee-uhn. The name sounds refined, romantic and a little continental, and Jules is a stylish nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Julian.
Popularity over time
Julien first appears in US Social Security records in 1888. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 38 different years, starting in 1888. Its best national rank was #533 in 2009, the same year it reached its highest count of 500 babies. In 2025, 380 babies were named Julien, and it ranked #709 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,618 in 1920, #2,153 in 1950, #1,933 in 1980, #637 in 2000, #559 in 2010, and #709 in 2025. Of the 13,791 US boys named Julien since records began, 31% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 3,734 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Yandel, Chace, Jairo, Trace, and Kale.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Julien ranked highest in Louisiana, Virginia, and New York.
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Julien over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Julien is usually pronounced JOO-lee-uhn, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Julian.
Middle names for Julien
A few middle names that flow with Julien: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Julien
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Lists that include Julien
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Julien mean?
Julien is often said to mean “from Julius; meaning uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to French and Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Julien?
Julien has French and Latin roots. Julien is the French form of Julian, from the Latin Julianus, which derives from Julius, the name of the Roman family of Julius Caesar.
Is Julien a popular name?
Yes. Julien ranked #709 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Julien a boy or girl name?
Julien is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Julien over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Julien?
Julien 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