Julian

Belonging to Julius or the Roman Julian family.

Julian comes from Latin Iulianus, formed from the Roman family name Julius. Its most useful meaning is “belonging to Julius” or “of the Julian family”. Further explanations involving youth or Jupiter concern the uncertain deeper history of Julius and should not be treated as Julian’s settled translation. The name has a long record beyond ancient Rome: it was used in medieval England and is attested in Germany from the fifteenth century. Its English opening is /dʒ/, while German begins with /j/, like the y in English yes. That changes the first impression even when the spelling stays the same. The l and flowing vowels give Julian a graceful, measured quality; it may appeal if you want a classical name with a softer contour.

Etymology: From Latin Iulianus, a derivative of the Roman family name Iulius. The deeper origin of Iulius is uncertain.