Julianus

Julianus is a Latin masculine given name derived from Julius, formed with the suffix -anus to indicate a belonging or relation to Julius. It was widely used in the Roman world and in later Latin writing, including Christian and medieval texts. In Latin inscriptions and literature the form Iulianus often appears, and the name was employed by emperors, generals, and writers. The English given name Julian is ultimately derived from Julianus.

One of the best-known bearers is Flavius Claudius Julianus, commonly called Julian the Apostate, who ruled the Roman Empire from 361 to 363. Known for his attempt to restore pagan religion in the empire and for his writings defending pagan philosophy, Julian is the most prominent example associated with the name.

Beyond imperial circles, the name Julianus also appears in Christian hagiography and late antique documents, where several saints and martyrs are named Julianus in Latin sources. In these contexts the form Julianus was used in liturgical calendars and vitae, though individual identifications vary by tradition.

Today the name survives in modern forms such as Julian, which preserves the same etymological roots. In onomastic studies, Julianus illustrates the Latin practice of forming new names by adding the -anus suffix to older personal names.