Log in · Sign up

Julia Girl

Popularity: #116 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationJOO-lee-uh / /ˈdʒuːliə/

Latin; Greek

Meaning

Latin: youthful; Greek: downy

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Julia has its roots in ancient Roman culture, deriving from the Latin name "Julius," which is believed to be derived from the Latin word "iuvenalis," meaning "youthful" or "downy." The name was initially a family name in Rome, associated with the prominent Julian clan, which included notable figures such as Gaius Julius Caesar. The feminine form, Julia, emerged in the Roman context, becoming popularized through various historical figures and literary references. The transition of the name into English occurred through the influence of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when Latin and Norman French names began to permeate the English language.

Throughout history, Julia has been borne by several significant figures, including Julia Domna, a Roman empress of the 3rd century, who was known for her political influence and intellectual pursuits. The name also appears in classical literature, notably in Shakespeare's works, where characters named Julia embody various traits, from romantic to strong-willed. The name's presence in the Christian tradition is marked by Saint Julia of Carthage, a martyr from the 3rd century, further embedding the name within the cultural and religious fabric of Europe.

Culturally, Julia has been associated with notions of youthfulness and femininity, often symbolizing grace and elegance. The name has various diminutive forms, such as Julie and Juliette, which have also found their place in different languages and cultures. The enduring appeal of Julia can be attributed to its classical roots and the positive connotations associated with its meaning, allowing it to maintain a lasting presence in various societies throughout history.

Trend Summary

Julia has consistently been a popular name in the United States, maintaining a steady presence in the top 100 names for girls over the decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Juliet
  • Julianna
  • Jule

International Variants

  • Giulia (Italian)
  • Yuliya (Russian)
  • Juliette (French)
  • Juli (Spanish)

Famous people named Julia

Julia Roberts is an actress best known for Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, and Ocean's Eleven.

Julia Child is a chef and author best known for Mastering the Art of French Cooking, The French Chef, and her television series.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is an actress and comedian best known for Seinfeld, Veep, and The New Adventures of Old Christine.

Julia Garner is an actress best known for Ozark, Inventing Anna, and The Assistant.

Julia Stiles is an actress best known for 10 Things I Hate About You, Save the Last Dance, and Dexter.

Fictional characters named Julia

Julia is a fictional character from the novel and film 1984. She is a rebellious woman who engages in a forbidden love affair with the protagonist, Winston Smith.

Julia is a fictional character from the TV series The Beatles. She is the mother of John Lennon and plays a significant role in his early life and musical inspiration.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Julia was first seen in the United States in 1880. Julia has ranked as high as #69 nationally, which occurred in 2001, and has been most popular in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Julia has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Julia (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 290
13%
TX 257
11%
FL 157
7%
NY 156
7%
PA 104
5%
NJ 86
4%
MA 84
4%
NC 82
4%
IL 81
4%
OH 81
4%
GA 81
4%
VA 67
3%
CO 46
2%
MN 46
2%
WA 46
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880783
1881737
1882811
1883875
1884935
18851,062
18861,061
18871,043
18881,292
18891,201
18901,275
18911,200
18921,360
18931,367
18941,320
18951,380
18961,407
18971,380
18981,462
18991,297
19001,766
19011,362
19021,501
19031,447
19041,426
19051,642
19061,603
19071,680
19081,749
19091,931
19102,074
19112,158
19122,825
19133,195
19143,814
19154,831
19165,066
19175,078
19185,268
19194,950
19204,889
19214,737
19224,616
19234,323
19244,289
19254,047
19263,688
19273,586
19283,206
19292,950
19302,880
19312,624
19322,657
19332,403
19342,357
19352,341
19362,278
19372,284
19382,478
19392,635
19402,708
19412,845
19422,905
19432,973
19442,685
19452,327
19462,796
19472,953
19482,776
19492,922
19502,727
19512,748
19522,781
19532,973
19543,157
19553,287
19563,319
19573,689
19583,835
19593,940
19603,789
19613,902
19623,752
19633,570
19643,541
19653,101
19663,046
19672,776
19682,990
19693,714
19703,178
19712,609
19722,334
19732,090
19742,067
19752,003
19761,915
19772,061
19782,594
19792,568
19803,069
19813,668
19823,503
19833,382
19843,359
19853,205
19863,109
19873,331
19883,359
19893,370
19903,913
19915,366
19925,021
19934,663
19944,842
19955,411
19966,314
19977,341
19988,328
19998,752
20008,768
20018,838
20027,965
20037,437
20047,149
20057,088
20066,884
20076,133
20085,619
20094,996
20104,677
20114,350
20123,880
20133,753
20143,605
20153,375
20163,344
20173,124
20183,008
20192,787
20202,508
20212,433
20222,543
20232,297
20242,359