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Julius

♂ Boy

Pronounced JOO-lee-us /ˈdʒuː.li.əs/High

Meaning: From the Roman family name Julius, connected to Greek ioulos meaning downy-bearded or possibly to Jupiter; the gens Julia claimed descent from Venus through AeneasHigh

In 30 seconds: Julius is a magnificent Roman family name meaning 'youthful' whose prestige — Caesar, the calendar, the gens Julia — is matched only by its current status as one of the most stylish vintage revivals in America.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFrom the Roman family name Julius, connected to Greek ioulos meaning downy-bearded or possibly to Jupiter; the gens Julia claimed descent from Venus through Aeneas
U.S. rank (2025)#424 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births759 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1918
Total births (all-time)≈ 84,610

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191818802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Julius was the family name (nomen) of the most powerful Roman clan, the gens Julia. The derivation from Greek ioulos (downy-chinned, meaning a young man) is commonly cited, though the true etymology is uncertain.

Julius has been a given name in the Christian world since Saint Julius I, Pope in the 4th century. In the United States it has seen a strong revival as grand Roman names return to favor.

Did you know? The gens Julia, Julius Caesar's family, claimed mythological descent from Venus through her son Aeneas and grandson Iulus — giving the name Julius a divine pedigree stretching back to the goddess of love.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Julius — etymology and Roman historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

JulianGiulioJules

Nicknames

JulesJule

Famous Bearers

  • ★Julius Caesar (100–44 BCE)
    Roman general and dictator whose name became synonymous with supreme power; assassinated on the Ides of March.
  • ★Julius Nyerere (1922–1999)
    First President of Tanzania, known as the father of the nation and for his vision of African socialism.

If you like Julius…

Augustus— shares the Roman imperial grandeur and the same triumphant vintage revival
Julian— the direct derivative sharing the same root with a slightly softer sound
Maximus— fellow grandiose Roman name riding the same classical revival wave
Cornelius— shares the three-syllable stately Latin feel and the same uncommon-classic appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Julius mean?

Julius comes from the Roman gens Julia and is connected to Greek ioulos meaning downy-bearded or youthful; the family claimed divine descent from Venus.

How do you pronounce Julius?

It is said JOO-lee-us /ˈdʒuː.li.əs/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Julius related to Julian?

Yes, Julian is a derivative of Julius; both come from the Roman gens Julia.

Is Julius in style today?

Julius has been rising strongly in the U.S. as grand Roman names experience a vintage revival.