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The short answer
Juliana is a feminine name used across Spanish, Portuguese, English, German, Dutch and Ancient Roman traditions, formed as the "feminine form of Iulianus" (Julian). Behind the Name notes it was borne by a 4th-century saint and martyr, the 14th-century mystic Julian of Norwich, and a 20th-century queen of the Netherlands; in England it has been used since the 18th century alongside the older form Gillian. It is pronounced joo-lee-AN-ə. In the United States it ranked #256 for girls in 2025.
Meaning and etymology
Behind the Name gives Juliana as the "feminine form of Iulianus (see Julian)". Its Julian entry states that name derives "from the Roman name Iulianus, which was derived from the family name Julius", without further glossing what Julius itself means. Behind the Name notes Juliana was borne by "a 4th-century saint and martyr from Nicomedia", by the 14th-century mystic Julian of Norwich ("also called Julian"), and by "a 20th-century queen of the Netherlands"; in England the form "has been in use since the 18th century, alongside the older form Gillian".
Editorial confidence: established
Linguistic roots
| Language | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Roman | Iulianus | derived from the family name Julius (meaning not further glossed) |
Popularity
Juliana ranked #256 for girls in the United States in 2025 (Social Security Administration).
| Region | Year | Rank | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | #256 | ssa-2025 |
Nicknames, variants, and related names
Variants: Julianna, Julianne, Juliane, Iuliana
Related names: Julian, Gillian, Giuliana
What the name feels like
Juliana carries a graceful, multilingual sound and a long, layered history spanning sainthood, mysticism and royalty, giving it a classic rather than trendy feel. Its ending in -ana links it to other soft, flowing feminine names.
Style tags: classic, multilingual, four syllables
Editorial interpretation: These style impressions are editorial judgment, not linguistic fact.
If you like this name
Names that share Juliana's Julian root or its soft, flowing sound.
Similar by origin
Similar by sound
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Juliana mean?
Juliana is the feminine form of Iulianus (Julian), which Behind the Name derives from the Roman family name Julius; the deeper meaning of Julius is not documented in the sources used here.
Is Juliana a popular name?
Juliana ranked #256 among girls' names in the United States in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.
Was there a Queen Juliana?
Behind the Name notes the name was borne by a 20th-century queen of the Netherlands.
Sources
- Behind the Name: Meaning, origin and history of the name Juliana — supports etymology, pronunciation, variants, history.
- Behind the Name: Meaning, origin and history of the name Julian — supports etymology.
- U.S. Social Security Administration: Popular Baby Names — national data, year of birth 2025 — supports popularity.
