Last Name Giuliana

The surname Giuliana is an Italian name, derived from the female given name Giuliana. It comes from the Latin name Juliana, which was a popular name among early Christians and meant "youthful" or "downy-bearded". This name was borne by many saints, including St. Juliana of Cornwall and St. Juliana Falconieri. The Italian surname Giuliana developed from this female given name in Italy over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Giuliana

The meaning and origin of the last name Giuliana

The surname Giuliana is an Italian derivative from the given name Giuliana, which means "youthful, juvenile" or "young" in Latin. It is derived from the Roman family name Julius, which was itself originally a cognomen (surname) taken by members of the gens Julia, one of the most prominent patrician families of ancient Rome. The Julii were believed to have been descendants of Aeneas, a Trojan hero according to Roman mythology. The feminine form Giuliana emerged in the Middle Ages and became more prevalent during the Renaissance period. Today, it is still a common surname in Italy and has spread globally through Italian immigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Giuliana

The last name Giuliana is predominantly Italian in origin, stemming from the feminine form of the given name Giuliano, which means "young giant" or "youthful warrior." Its geographical distribution primarily centers around Italy, where it is most common in regions such as Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Puglia. Beyond Italy, significant populations bearing this surname can be found in countries with a large Italian diaspora, including the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Australia, and Spain. In these countries, the name Giuliana is often an Anglicized or Hispanicized version of the original Italian last name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Giuliana

The surname Giuliana can have various spellings and variations due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common spelling variations include Juliana, Giulianna, Giuliano (which is masculine but can also be used as a feminine variant), Gioliana, and Julliana. These variations originate from the Latin name Julia, which was popularized by early Christians and has been widely used throughout history in many cultures and languages. The Italian version Giuliana specifically, comes from the medieval Tuscan dialect, where the 'i' sound is pronounced as a long 'e'. In English, this would be written as Juliana or Giulianna. Other less common variations may also exist due to personal preference, cultural influences, or errors in transcription during immigration.

Famous people with the last name Giuliana

Giuliana is an Italian surname that has produced several notable figures. Giuliana Rancic, born in 1974, is an American television personality known for her work as a fashion correspondent and co-host on E! News. She also served as host and co-host of various red carpet events, fashion weeks, and awards shows. In 2008, she became the host of Fashion Police. Another well-known Giuliana is Giuliana de' Medici (1453–1478), a member of the powerful Florentine Medici family. She was the wife of Lorenzo the Magnificent and played an important role in the Medici court during the Renaissance. Giuliana Salazar, born in 1994, is a professional soccer player who plays as a forward for the Mexican national team and for Real Madrid Femenino. Her athletic abilities have earned her recognition and respect within the soccer community.

Genealogical research on the last name Giuliana

The surname Giuliana is of Italian origin, derived from the given name Giuliano, which means "youthful" or "downy-bearded." The first recorded usage of the surname can be traced back to the Late Middle Ages in Italy. Notable individuals bearing this name include the Renaissance artist Raffaello Sanzio Giuliano (Raphael), who was a prominent figure in the High Renaissance period, and Maria Teresa Giuliana, an Italian aristocrat of the 18th century. Throughout history, the Giulianas have been predominantly found in regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria. Variations of the name include Giuliani, Julliano, Juliano, and Guglielmo. Genealogical research has shown that many branches of the Giuliana family migrated to other countries, particularly the United States, during the 19th and 20th centuries. The dispersal of the Giulianas has resulted in a rich diversity of traditions and cultures among their descendants worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Giuliana"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 12 June 2025

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