What is the origin of the last name Jula?

The surname Jula is of Finnish origin. It is derived from various place names throughout Finland, such as Julalahti (a lake), Julanka (a river) or Juola (a village). The name could also be a variant of the name Julin, which means "God's will" in Finnish. Surnames were introduced to Finland during the 16th century when Swedish rule was established and they served as a way to identify and distinguish individuals within communities.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jula

The meaning and origin of the last name Jula

The surname Jula is primarily found among Finns, Estonians, and Swedish-speaking Finns. It's derived from various sources, reflecting its diverse origins. In Finland, it could be a habitational name from any of several places named Juola or Juolca, which means "place of the birch" in Finnish. In Estonia, Jula might be a patronymic surname, derived from the male given name Julius. Over time and through migration, the spelling variations of this name have evolved, including Julie, Julae, Juola, and others. Its origin can be traced back to medieval Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, reflecting the historical intermingling of cultures in these regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jula

The surname Jula is primarily concentrated in West Africa, particularly in countries such as Guinea, Mali, and Côte d'Ivoire, where it is one of the most common surnames. It also appears in significant numbers in Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The name has roots in the Mande language group, indicating potential ethnic ties to the Mandé people, who inhabit a large area spanning several West African countries. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the surname Jula in France, due to migration from West Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jula

The surname Jula has multiple variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include Julah, Juula, and Juola. In some instances, it may be spelled as Julie or Julio due to phonetic adaptation in various cultures. In German-speaking countries, the name could be written as Juhla. Additionally, the name can also have different roots; for example, in Hebrew, Julia is derived from the word "YHWH is my God." Therefore, it is important to note that the spelling of the name Jula may vary depending on cultural or linguistic backgrounds.

Famous people with the last name Jula

Notable individuals with the surname Jula include:

1. Youssouf Fofana Jula (born 1993), Ivorian professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for French club Troyes and the Ivory Coast national team.
2. Mohamed Jula (born 1997), Malian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for MLS side New England Revolution.
3. Mamadou Alassane Jula (born 1985), Ivorian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, Stade Malien, and ASEC Mimosas.
4. Issaka Jula (1960-2017), Burkinabé comedian, singer, and actor known as the "African Michael Jackson" due to his distinctive dance moves and music style.
5. Idrissa Ouedraogo Jula (born 1974), Burkinabé footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as RC Lens and Stade Malien, as well as the Burkina Faso national team.
6. Abdoulaye Jula (born 1985), Malian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC and the Mali national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Jula

The surname Jula is primarily of Finnish origin, derived from the personal name Juha, which was common among early Finns. Juha is a diminutive form of Johannes, meaning "God is gracious." The surname Jula likely originated as an occupational name for a furrier or a maker of fur clothing, as the word jula in Finnish means "fur" or "skin."

Historically, the Jula family has been most prevalent in the regions of Savonia and Ostrobothnia in Finland. The first recorded instance of the surname dates back to the 16th century in the town of Kuopio. Over time, various branches of the Jula family migrated to other parts of Finland and even abroad, with significant populations now found in Sweden, Norway, and the United States.

Throughout history, notable figures bearing the surname Jula have made contributions in various fields such as politics, education, and the arts. For example, Finnish politician Eero Jula served as a member of the Parliament of Finland during the 1970s, while artist Veikko Jula is renowned for his woodcut prints and illustrations.

Today, the Jula surname remains relatively common in Finland and continues to be carried by numerous descendants worldwide, reflecting its long and storied history in Finnish genealogy.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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