Julian: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity
US Popularity: #49
Origin: Greek
Other Origin(s): Roman
Meaning: Youthful; Jove’s child; Downy bearded
Julian is a timeless, gender-neutral name with roots in ancient cultures. Derived from Greek and Roman origins, the name holds the powerful meanings of “youthful,” “downy bearded,” and “Jove’s child.” In Roman mythology, Jove, also known as Jupiter, was the god of the sky and the leader of the Roman pantheon. With such heavenly parentage, the name Julian symbolizes strength, leadership, and an optimistic outlook on life.
This name resonates with a youthful energy that never fades. When you give your child the name Julian, you welcome a sense of curiosity and wonder into your family. Julian can remind you to see the world through the innocent and inquisitive eyes of a child, finding joy and inspiration in the simplest moments.
Whether you choose Julian for a boy or girl, this name carries an air of elegance and tradition, paired with a fresh, modern twist that makes it an appealing choice for parents today.
Julian Rank in US Top 1000
Name Variations
There are some variations of the name Julian, including:
- Jolyon (Latin)
- Juliano (Greek)
- Julien (French)
- Julius (French)
- Julio (Greek)
- Julyan (Greek)
Julian Rank in Nameberry Top 1000
Famous People Named Julian
Many well-known individuals throughout history and modern times have carried the name Julian, contributing to its enduring popularity. Here are some famous Julians:
| Name | Profession |
|---|---|
| Julian Assange | Entrepreneur, founder of WikiLeaks |
| Julian Edelman | Football Player, NFL wide receiver |
| Julian Lennon | Singer and musician, son of John Lennon |
| Julian McMahon | Actor and model |
These prominent figures reflect the versatility and timeless appeal of the name, spanning a wide range of professions and achievements.
Similar Names
Here are some names similar to Julian:
- Elliot
- Sebastian
- Gideon
- Hayden
- Julias
- Phineas
- Jayden
- Jude
Other names that start with “J” include:
- Jacob
- Jamie
- Jann
- Jared
- Jasper
- Jaxon
- Jedd
- Jeremy
- Joel
- Jonah
- Jonathon
- Jordan
- Josiah
- Judd
Other English names to consider include:
- Acton
- Alvin
- Blake
- Braxton
- Cameron
- Edward
- Ellis
- Grayson
- Harry
- Landon
- Oscar
- Parker
- Preston
Julian Name Popularity Data
The name Julian has consistently ranked highly in baby name charts, both for boys and girls. Below are some key statistics on its popularity:
| The Bump Ranking | Name |
|---|---|
| Overall | #122 |
| Boy | #74 |
| Girl | #86 |
| Popularity | Country | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | US | 2023 |
| 59 | Nameberry | 2024 |
| 31 | Future | 2028 |
| 282 | England | 2021 |
| 46 | Germany | 2023 |
| 46 | Netherlands | 2023 |
| 60 | Sweden | 2022 |
| 44 | Norway | 2015 |
| 94 | Belgium | 2019 |
| 16 | Switzerland | 2022 |
| 16 | Austria | 2022 |
| 23 | Poland | 2023 |
| 20 | Chile | 2021 |
| 125 | Canada | 2022 |
| 55 | Mexico | 2021 |
Suggested Sibling Names
Potential sibling names for baby Julian could be:
- Archie
- Ayla
- Brynn
- Cate
- Caden
- Evelyn
- Jake
- Kira
- Leah
- Maeve
- Nick
- Owen
- Poppy
- Paxton
- Ruby
- Violet
- Zeke
| U.S. Births Ranking | Name |
|---|---|
| Overall | #49 |
| Boy | #33 |
| Girl | #6034 |
In 2023, Julian ranked #6034 for girls, reflecting a decrease of 1318 places from 2022. However, its popularity as a boy’s name continues to thrive, currently standing at #33.
Similar Names to Julian
If you like the name Julian but are considering other options, here are some similar-sounding names that you might love:
| Similar Names | Name |
|---|---|
| Julien | Julia |
| Jillian | Julius |
| Julianne | Julio |
| Lillian | Elian |
| Jalen | Jaylen |
| Julie | Juliette |
| Cillian | Juliet |
| Juliana | Julianna |
| Giuliana | Jaylene |
| Kolton |
These names carry the same soft, elegant tones as Julian, offering alternatives for your baby.
Parents Who Like the Name Julian Also Like
Parents who favor the name Julian often also like these names, which share a similar charm, classic appeal, or modern edge:
| Name | Name |
|---|---|
| Luca | Oliver |
| Noah | Leo |
| Theodore | James |
| Miles | Lucas |
| Theo | Rowan |
| Liam | Asher |
| Avery | Quinn |
| Jude | Ezra |
| Sebastian | Harper |
| Charlotte | Henry |
| Owen | Elijah |
| Amelia | Logan |
| Aiden | Alexander |
| Gabriel | Levi |
| Violet | Jack |
These names all offer unique qualities, from traditional favorites like Oliver and James to trendy choices like Leo and Asher.
Famous People Named Julian
Here’s a list of famous people who are also named Julian:
- Julian Assange, an Australian entrepreneur and founder of WikiLeaks
- Julian Casablancas, the lead singer of The Strokes
- Julian Edelman, an American professional football player
- Julian Lennon, an English singer, songwriter, photographer, filmmaker, author, and philanthropist and the son of John Lennon
- Julian McMahon, an Australian-American actor, model, and son of a former Prime Minister of Australia
- Julian Morris, an English actor
Sibling Name Ideas for Julian
Are you expecting another little one? Here are some great sibling name ideas to pair with Julian:
| Sibling Names | Name |
|---|---|
| Calen | Joeri |
| Karyn | Janthia |
| Judas | Persis |
| Jaelin | Nicol |
| Andjelko | Phaidra |
| Andreina | Alexandria |
| Nikita | Daphne |
| Thea | Hypnos |
| Leon | Barbara |
| Poseidon | Hera |
| Stacie | Crius |
| Cleo | Alexis |
| Alexander |
What names sound like Julian?
If you like how Julian sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Julian.
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Popularity | Other Gender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian | From Hadria | Latin | ||
| Caspian | White | English | ||
| Darian | He who possesses | English | ||
| Dorian | Descendant of Dorus; from Doris | Greek | ||
| Fabian | Bean farmer | Latin |
| Florian | Flower | Slavic | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juneau | Young | Latin | ||
| Junior | The younger one | Latin | ||
| Junius | Young | Latin | ||
| Juno | Goddess of Marriage & Childbirth | Latin | ||
| Lucian | Light | Latin |
What names are similar to Julian?
Find a name that’s like Julian, but just a little bit different.
These sibling names complement Julian’s strong and meaningful heritage, ranging from classic names like Alexander to more unique choices like Phaidra or Poseidon.
Julian Name Popularity Trend
Julian has remained consistently popular for decades, ranking steadily in the top names for boys in the United States. Its ranking for girls is significantly lower but has seen occasional spikes. You can explore a detailed popularity trend chart that highlights the name’s rankings over the years.
Conclusion
Julian is a name that blends history, culture, and charm, offering parents a versatile and meaningful choice for their child. Whether inspired by its mythological connections to the Roman god Jove or its youthful, vibrant energy, Julian will always stand out as a name full of leadership, innocence, and strength. Whether for a boy or a girl, this name carries a timeless appeal and a sense of wonder that will accompany your child throughout their life.
