MallowbyNames

Jule

JOOL · Jule is a variant of Julia or Julian, ultimately from the Latin name Iulius, which is of uncertain etymology, possibly meaning 'youthful' or 'downy-bearded'.

Peak popularity
1891
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Jule since 1881

Babies named Jule per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Jule's real moment was 1891.

183654192019602000Most births 1919GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1880s2265
1890s7273
1900s11058
1910s359205
1920s317279
1930s206188
1940s230152
1950s212138
1960s15172
1970s8483
1980s4042
1990s5011
2000s8116
2010s5719
2020s77

Meaning & origin

Jule, a short form derived from the Latin name Iulius, has been used as a given name since at least the 19th century. According to U.S. Social Security data, it first appeared in 1886, and its peak year was 1891, though it never reached high rank. Its trajectory has been relatively stable, maintaining a low but consistent presence over the decades. As a unisex name, it has historically been more common for boys, often as a nickname for Julian, but it also serves as a variant of Julie for girls. The name's simplicity and connection to the popular Julian and Julia families give it a classic feel without being common. It remains a rare choice, appealing to parents seeking a short, historically rooted name.

Jule is a short form or variant of Julia or Julian, deriving from the Roman family name Iulius. The name's meaning is often associated with the Latin word 'iuvenis' (young) or 'iulus' (downy), but its precise origin remains debated. Jule gained some popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States, as a concise alternative to the longer forms. It can be used for any gender, though historically more common for males as a nickname for Julian.

Jule” around the world

Where Jule lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    10

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Jules, Julia, Julian, Julie

Sibling names for Jule

Names that share Jule's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Clara, Emma, Lily, Nora, Vera

Brothers: Hugo, Felix, Leo, Oscar, Theo

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

J is for Jule, our favorite little person.

J is for Jule…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Jule's letter becomes Jule's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Jule's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Jule mean?
Jule is a variant of Julia or Julian, names of Latin origin. The exact meaning is uncertain, but it is often associated with 'youthful' or 'downy-bearded'.
How popular is Jule currently?
Jule has not ranked in the U.S. top 1000 in recent years. Its peak popularity occurred in 1891, and its usage has remained stable and rare since then.
Is Jule a boy or girl name?
Jule is used as a unisex name, but historically it has been more common for males as a nickname for Julian. It is also used as a short form for feminine names like Julia or Julie.