Declining since 2022, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Julen since 1997
Babies named Julen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 67 |
| 2010s | 130 |
| 2020s | 142 |
Meaning & origin
Julen is a Basque name that entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1997. Though still rare, it reached its peak popularity in 2022, and its trajectory has been gently falling since. As of 2025, it ranks 10695, with an incidence of roughly 1 in 284,679 newborns per year. The name has not been recorded in any top state over the past decade, reflecting its niche appeal. Julen fits a pattern of Basque names gaining modest international attention, often chosen by families with Basque heritage or an affinity for the region's culture. Despite its low frequency, the name carries a distinct cultural identity and a smooth, approachable sound in English.
Julen is a Basque form of Julian, which derives from the Roman family name Iulianus, itself from Iulus, a name associated with the god Jupiter. In Basque, the name has been used since the late 20th century, influenced by the growth of Basque nationalism and revival of traditional names. It remains primarily used in the Basque Country and among Basque diaspora.
“Julen” around the world
Where Julen lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Julen
Names that share Julen's style, for a brother or sister.
