Rising since 1985, #709 for boys today.
Popularity of Julien since 1888
Babies named Julien per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2009, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Julien's real moment was 2020.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 141 |
| 1920s | 186 |
| 1930s | 128 |
| 1940s | 113 |
| 1950s | 109 |
| 1960s | 96 |
| 1970s | 198 |
| 1980s | 520 |
| 1990s | 1,678 |
| 2000s | 3,734 |
| 2010s | 4,338 |
| 2020s | 2,533 |
Meaning & origin
Julien is the French counterpart of Julian, a name that has seen steady use in the United States since the late 19th century, first recorded in 1888. It reached its peak in popularity in 2020, and as of 2025 it ranks #709, with about 1 in 4,495 boys receiving the name. The name has been rising in use since 1985, reflecting a broader trend of French-inspired names gaining favor among American parents. Julien is most popular in Louisiana, Minnesota, and Virginia, states with strong French cultural influences or diverse naming preferences. While it remains less common than its English variant Julian, Julien offers a sophisticated Gallic flair that appeals to parents seeking a classic yet distinctive choice.
Julien is the French form of Julianus, a Roman family name derived from Julius. The root Julius is of uncertain origin but is often linked to the Greek 'ioulos,' meaning 'downy-bearded' or 'youthful.' The name has been used in France since the Middle Ages, popularized by several early saints, including Saint Julian the Hospitaller. In English-speaking countries, the variant Julian is more common, but Julien retains a distinctly French character.
Where Julien is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Julien” around the world
Where Julien lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
125
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Quebec
67
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jules, Juju, Len
Sibling names for Julien
Names that share Julien's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Eloise, Camille, Colette, Margot, Sophie, Arlette, Avril, Celine, Chantelle, Charisse, Collette, Dominique, Francine, Giselle, Joelle, Jolie, Margaux, Nadine, Nathalie, Noella, Patrice, Simone, Alaine, Ariane, Clarisse, Delaine, Emmanuelle, Gisel, Gizelle, Jaquelin, Liane, Lucienne, Magali, Marielle, Melaine, Solange, Vianney, Alizee, Antoniette, Aurelie, Camile, Carine, Cassandre, Christelle, Denette, Fabienne, Gabryelle, Gissele, Isabeau, Josseline, Jozette, Leonette, Liliane, Lorrain, Lysette, Mariane, Marine, Noemie, Philomene, Raissa, Raquelle, Simonne, Solene, Suzzette, Viviane, Yvetta, Abigaelle, Annais, Barbette, Fleurette, Florette, Gabrelle, Honore, Ivet, Jacquelina, Lissete, Livier, Lucielle, Lunette, Magalie, Margueritte, Mirelle, Modestine, Noelie, Noelly, Semone, Solenne, Amanie, Annaelle, Celines, Felicie, Paullette, Alette, Alexine, Briggitte, Camelle, Clotile, Dennisse, Desirie, Erienne, Helane, Jisele, Josiane, Magally, Marchel, Margaruite, Marien, Marionette, Musette, Noellie, Oceane, Octavie, Sidonie, Sophonie, Verlaine
Brothers: Matthieu, Lucien, Remy, Gabriel, Olivier, Adrien, Alexandre, Henri, Marcel, Regis, Andrae, Andree, Etienne, Jeremie, Laurent, Leandre, Mickael, Pascal, Domenique, Lasalle, Anatole, Corday, Jourdain, Nazaire, Camil, Antonin, Ramier
Names like Julien
Names whose popularity has moved with Julien's over the last 50 years.
