Iulianus

Iulianus is the Latin form of the given name Julian. Used in the Roman world and in later Latin literature, it functioned as a personal name and appears in inscriptions, chronicles, and administrative texts. In English and other languages, the name is typically rendered as Julian, while Iulianus reflects the original Latin form.

The most widely known bearer is Flavius Claudius Iulianus, commonly called Julian the Apostate. He was Roman emperor from 361 to 363 and is remembered for his attempts to restore pagan religious practices in the empire and for his writings criticizing Christianity. In Latin sources his name appears as Flavius Claudius Iulianus.

Beyond Julian the Apostate, the name Iulianus appears for various individuals in late antiquity and the early medieval period, including soldiers, officials, and clerics. In many cases, surviving sources provide only the single name Iulianus, making precise identification difficult. The Latin form thus served as a regional variant of Julian across different communities within the Roman world and its successor states.

Etymology and related forms: Iulianus derives from Julius, sharing lineage with related names such as Iulius (Latin Julius), Julian, and Jules. The name spread across Latin-speaking regions and influenced later European naming traditions.

In summary, Iulianus denotes the Latin version of Julian, most famously associated with Julian the Apostate, and also representing a common given name for other antiquity and medieval figures referenced in Latin texts.