Jules Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationJoolz / /dʒuːlz/Latin; French
Meaning
Latin: youthful; French: downy
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Jules has its roots in the Latin name Iulius, which is derived from the Roman family name Iulius, believed to be linked to the Latin word 'ioulos,' meaning 'downy-bearded' or 'youthful.' The name evolved through various forms, transitioning from Iulius in Latin to Iulianus in Late Latin, and eventually to Jules in Old French. This transformation reflects the linguistic shifts that occurred as Latin evolved into the Romance languages, particularly during the medieval period when Old French became prominent in the region that is now France.
Historically, the name Jules is associated with several notable figures, including Julius Caesar, a pivotal figure in Roman history, whose legacy influenced the use of the name throughout Europe. The name was further popularized by the Christian martyr Saint Julian, who lived during the 4th century and was venerated in various regions, particularly in France. The name gained additional prominence through the influence of the King James Bible, which, while not directly translating the name, contributed to the cultural context in which biblical names were revered and adopted.
Culturally, Jules carries connotations of nobility and youthfulness, often associated with the ideals of chivalry and honor in medieval literature. The name has been embraced in various artistic and literary contexts, reinforcing its significance in Western culture. Additionally, the diminutive form 'Jules' has been used affectionately in French-speaking regions, further embedding the name in cultural traditions. Overall, Jules reflects a rich historical tapestry, connecting ancient Roman heritage with medieval and modern European identities.
Trend Summary
Jules has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States, particularly in recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Jul
- Jule
International Variants
- Jules (French)
- Julio (Spanish)
- Giulio (Italian)
- Julius (Latin)
Famous people named Jules
Jules Verne is a novelist best known for Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Around the World in Eighty Days.
Jules Massenet is a composer best known for Thaïs, Manon, and Werther.
Jules Dassin is a director best known for The Naked City, Rififi, and Topkapi.
Jules Feiffer is a cartoonist and playwright best known for The Phantom Tollbooth, Little Murders, and his work in The Village Voice.
Jules Asner is a television personality and model best known for Revealed with Jules Asner, The Daily Show, and E! News.
Fictional characters named Jules
Jules Winnfield is a fictional character from the film Pulp Fiction. He is a hitman who undergoes a moral transformation throughout the story.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Jules was first seen in the United States in 1880. Jules has ranked as high as #740 nationally, which occurred in 1928, and has been most popular in Louisiana, New York, California, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. In the past 5 years the name Jules has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Jules (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 14 | |
NY | 11 | |
TX | 6 | |
LA | 5 | |
OH | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 16 |
1881 | 16 |
1882 | 13 |
1883 | 18 |
1884 | 17 |
1885 | 13 |
1886 | 7 |
1887 | 11 |
1888 | 18 |
1889 | 12 |
1890 | 12 |
1891 | 13 |
1892 | 20 |
1893 | 20 |
1894 | 14 |
1895 | 17 |
1896 | 16 |
1897 | 16 |
1898 | 11 |
1899 | 13 |
1900 | 13 |
1901 | 15 |
1902 | 21 |
1903 | 22 |
1904 | 14 |
1905 | 17 |
1906 | 21 |
1907 | 16 |
1908 | 25 |
1909 | 27 |
1910 | 35 |
1911 | 47 |
1912 | 81 |
1913 | 85 |
1914 | 119 |
1915 | 111 |
1916 | 127 |
1917 | 124 |
1918 | 146 |
1919 | 128 |
1920 | 95 |
1921 | 116 |
1922 | 113 |
1923 | 119 |
1924 | 113 |
1925 | 126 |
1926 | 122 |
1927 | 135 |
1928 | 154 |
1929 | 121 |
1930 | 118 |
1931 | 130 |
1932 | 120 |
1933 | 104 |
1934 | 100 |
1935 | 74 |
1936 | 89 |
1937 | 95 |
1938 | 81 |
1939 | 94 |
1940 | 97 |
1941 | 88 |
1942 | 105 |
1943 | 96 |
1944 | 77 |
1945 | 77 |
1946 | 101 |
1947 | 105 |
1948 | 90 |
1949 | 68 |
1950 | 81 |
1951 | 75 |
1952 | 96 |
1953 | 102 |
1954 | 81 |
1955 | 75 |
1956 | 57 |
1957 | 69 |
1958 | 68 |
1959 | 62 |
1960 | 54 |
1961 | 61 |
1962 | 52 |
1963 | 48 |
1964 | 43 |
1965 | 52 |
1966 | 38 |
1967 | 43 |
1968 | 48 |
1969 | 54 |
1970 | 50 |
1971 | 39 |
1972 | 38 |
1973 | 52 |
1974 | 42 |
1975 | 44 |
1976 | 39 |
1977 | 42 |
1978 | 32 |
1979 | 64 |
1980 | 45 |
1981 | 45 |
1982 | 42 |
1983 | 51 |
1984 | 47 |
1985 | 46 |
1986 | 43 |
1987 | 56 |
1988 | 71 |
1989 | 57 |
1990 | 51 |
1991 | 70 |
1992 | 58 |
1993 | 57 |
1994 | 38 |
1995 | 51 |
1996 | 46 |
1997 | 57 |
1998 | 60 |
1999 | 48 |
2000 | 54 |
2001 | 54 |
2002 | 59 |
2003 | 59 |
2004 | 59 |
2005 | 71 |
2006 | 56 |
2007 | 46 |
2008 | 66 |
2009 | 69 |
2010 | 56 |
2011 | 57 |
2012 | 69 |
2013 | 64 |
2014 | 65 |
2015 | 95 |
2016 | 84 |
2017 | 90 |
2018 | 88 |
2019 | 100 |
2020 | 120 |
2021 | 115 |
2022 | 109 |
2023 | 108 |
2024 | 88 |