International Variations of Julia
Julia is one of the most classic baby girl names, one that has a wide range of appealing variations around the world. Many of the most familiar international variations of Julia have become popular names in their own right, such as the French Juliette and Spanish Juliana. Julia still remains the most common form of the name, although it is experiencing a decline in popularity.
Along with Juliette and Juliana, other international variations of Julia in the US Top 1000 include Julianna, Juliet, Julieta, Julie, Julissa, and Giuliana. Attractive international options worth exploring include Giulia — a top choice in Italy — Ioulia, Uliana, and Xiana. Julia derivative Julie was once more popular than the original. It now feels like a mom — or even grandma! — name; a far cry from its meaning of "youthful." French variation Juli is fresher. An international variation of Julia can be a creative and stylish way to honor a Julia, Julie, or Julian in your life or an option for finding uncommon names with historical roots. Take a look at our Julia variants from around the world, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
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- Julia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
Julia was an ancient Roman imperial name given to females in the house of a Julius, as in Caesar. Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthful"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".
- Juliet
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
One of the most romantic names, the lovely and stylish Juliet seems finally to have shaken off her limiting link to Romeo. In Shakespeare's play, it was Juliet who said "What's in a name?"
- Juliette
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"little Julia"Description:
Juliette, pronounced with the emphasis on the last syllable, adds a little something extra to Juliet. In the past years it has been rising up the chart.
- Julie
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"youthful, sky father"Description:
Wildly popular in the 1960s and '70s, Julie is no longer anywhere near as stylish as the name's longer forms. Try Juliet, Juliana, or even the more grownup Julia.
- Juliana
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
Long common in Europe, the elegant and regal Juliana, also spelled with two n's, has invaded these shores, in tandem with the more classic Julia. Together with Julian, the name derives from Julius, a Roman family name. Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".
- Julianna
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
Together with Julian, the name Juliana/Julianna derives from Julius, a Roman family name. Its origin is shrouded by history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".
- Julienne
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
Fine in France, but here it means vegetables sliced into thin strips.
- Giuliana
Origin:
Italian variation of JulianaMeaning:
"youthful"Description:
Italian names like Gianna, Giovanna, Ginevra, Giulia, and Giuliana are being used increasingly by trendy baby namers — whether they have Italian roots or not. The Gi standing in for the more conventional J at the beginning seems to automatically make a name more appealing to some, perhaps because it gets you to nickname Gigi.
- Giulia
Origin:
Italian variation of JuliaMeaning:
"youthful"Description:
An Italian version of an English classic beginning to be adopted by cutting-edge American parents, including Entourage's Debi Mazar.
- Xiana
Origin:
Variation of Xuliana, GalicianMeaning:
"youthful"Description:
An older name with a modern sensibility — Xiana derives from Xuliana, the Galician variation of Juliana.
- Julieta
Origin:
Spanish variation of JulietMeaning:
"little Julia"Description:
The lovely Shakespearean Juliet is finding renewed interest as a baby name today, and Julieta is along for the ride, especially among Spanish families.
- Yuliya
Origin:
Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, BulgarianMeaning:
"youthful, downy"Description:
Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian and Bulgarian form of Julia.
- Ulyana
Description:
Ulyana is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. It derives from the Latin name Juliana, which comes from Julius, meaning 'youthful' or 'downy-bearded'. Ulyana represents the Eastern Slavic adaptation of this classical name. The name has a flowing, melodious quality with its balanced vowels and consonants. In Slavic countries, it has maintained steady popularity throughout history, associated with several saints and notable figures. While less common in Western countries, Ulyana has begun to gain recognition internationally. The name carries connotations of Slavic heritage and cultural richness while offering an exotic yet accessible option for parents seeking names with historical depth and a distinctive sound.
- Jovita
Origin:
Spanish, feminine variation of Jove, Roman king of the godsDescription:
Lively and joyful. Jovie could be a cute short form.
- Yulia
Origin:
Russian, variation of Yuliya, cognate of JuliaMeaning:
"youth"Description:
This is the Armenian version of the familia Julia, which has a rich and evocative sound. Other variations are Iuliya, and the diminitive Yulya.
- Julissa
Origin:
Spanish variation of JuliaMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
Julissa is a Spanish version of Julia used mostly in Latin America. It peaked in the 1990s and early 2000s and now hovers near the bottom of the Top 1000.
- Ulana
Description:
Ulana is a feminine name with Ukrainian and Slavic origins, derived from the Greek name Helen (Helene), which means 'light' or 'torch.' Pronounced oo-LAH-nah, this melodic name carries cultural significance in Eastern European communities while remaining relatively uncommon in the Western world. The name has historical connections to Ukrainian folklore and tradition, giving it a rich cultural heritage. Ulana experienced modest usage among Ukrainian diaspora communities but never achieved widespread popularity in North America or Western Europe. The name's flowing sound and exotic quality make it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with authentic cultural roots. Its relative rarity ensures individuality while its intuitive pronunciation prevents major challenges for non-Ukrainian speakers.
- Juliane
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
Variant of Julianne
- Xulia
Origin:
Galician variation of Julia, LatinMeaning:
"youthful"Description:
X replaces J in the Galicia region of Spain but is pronounced with the same H sound, making Xulia and Xulio the equivalent of Julia and Julio.
- Julija
Description:
Julija is a feminine name primarily found in Baltic, Slavic, and Eastern European cultures, particularly in Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Serbia. It's the regional variation of Julia, ultimately derived from Latin 'Julius,' meaning 'youthful' or 'downy-bearded,' connected to the Roman Julius family. Pronounced 'yoo-LEE-ya,' it maintains the beautiful essence of Julia while offering distinctive cultural connections. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Julija is well-established in its regions of origin. The name conveys elegance, classical beauty, and a touch of Eastern European heritage. For families with Baltic or Slavic backgrounds, Julija provides a way to honor cultural roots while using a name that remains recognizable internationally.