Julian is a unisex name of Latin origin, derived from Julius, which means "youthful" or "downy". It was popular among the Roman emperors, with the most famous being Julius Caesar. The name Julian gained prominence in the Middle Ages due to Saint Julian the Hospitaller, who was known for his compassion towards the sick and the poor.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne this name:
1. Julian the Apostate (331-363 AD): A Roman emperor who attempted to reverse the Christianization of the empire, he is often referred to as "the Apostate" due to his abandonment of Christianity.
2. Julian of Norwich (1342-c. 1416): An English mystic and anchoress, she is renowned for her Revelations of Divine Love, one of the most important works in Christian mystical literature.
3. Julian Schnabel (b. 1951): An American painter and filmmaker, known for his distinctive style and notable films like "Basquiat" and "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly".
In popular culture, the name Julian has been used in various forms of media:
- In literature: Julian is a character in Oscar Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray".
- In music: Julian Lennon (b. 1963) is a musician and the son of John Lennon.
- In film and television: Julian is a character in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, portrayed by actor Tom Felton.
The name Julian has consistently ranked among the top 500 baby names in the United States since the early 20th century, with its popularity fluctuating over time. It remains a classic choice that appeals to parents seeking a traditional yet timeless name for their child.
The name Jullian experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1980s to the mid-2000s, with the highest number of births recorded in 2007 (132 births). However, it has since declined, with only 24 births recorded in 2023. Over the entire period, there were a total of 2773 births named Jullian.