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Last Name Julen

What is the origin of the last name Julen?

The surname "Julen" is of Basque origin, specifically from the region in Spain and France where the Basque language is spoken. It is derived from a variety of sources, such as geographical locations, occupations, or personal attributes. In this case, the name may be related to the word "hilun", which means "young" or "youth" in Basque. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary for individual families and more research might be necessary to determine specific lineages and historical contexts.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Julen

The meaning and origin of the last name Julen

The surname Julen is of Basque origin, which is a language family isolate spoken primarily in the Basque Country, which encompasses regions in both Spain and France. The name Julen is derived from the Basque given name "Julen," meaning 'youthful' or 'young'. It is often considered a diminutive form of the name Julategi, which means 'young lord'. This surname has spread beyond the Basque region due to migration and assimilation over centuries. In the Spanish-speaking world, it is pronounced as 'Hoolen' with stress on the second syllable. It is also found in various forms such as Juliano, Julez, or Julian in other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Julen

The surname Julen has a predominant concentration in the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of Spain and France. It is particularly common within the Spanish province of Gipuzkoa, where it is considered one of the traditional Basque surnames. Outside of this region, the name also appears in other parts of Spain, notably Navarra and the Basque enclaves of San Sebastián and Donostia-San Sebastián. Julen is also found among Basque diaspora communities in South America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, where many Basques emigrated during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In recent years, instances of the name have been recorded in other parts of Europe and North America due to migration from these historical centers of Julen-bearing populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Julen

The surname Julen has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variations include Julian, Jules, Giuliano, Julián, Julio, and Juhan. These variations originate from the Latin name Iulianus or Iulus, which was a Roman family name that was derived from the adjective "Iulius" meaning "descendant of Julius." The variation Juhan is of Finnish origin and means John. In Spanish-speaking cultures, the surname may also appear as Julian, Julián, or Juilán due to spelling differences and regional dialects. Additionally, some individuals with the name Julen might have it as a given name rather than a surname, particularly in Basque culture where it is a common male name.

Famous people with the last name Julen

Notable individuals with the surname Julen include:

1. Aitor Thomas Julen (born 1974) - a Spanish professional football coach and former player who played as a central defender, currently managing CD Lugo in the Segunda División.
2. Imanol Julen (born 1963) - a retired Basque professional road bicycle racer from Spain.
3. Jon Julen (born 1982) - a Spanish former professional road racing cyclist, who rode professionally between 2004 and 2007.
4. Joxean Julen (born 1965) - a Basque-language writer from the Basque Country. He has published several novels and short story collections.
5. Maite Irujo Julen (born 1968) - a Spanish politician who is part of the Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE). She was the Minister for the Treasury from June 2018 to January 2020 and currently serves as the President of the Government of Cantabria.

Genealogical research on the last name Julen

The surname Julen, originating from the Basque region in Spain and France, is primarily associated with families residing in these areas. Historically, the name is thought to have derived from the toponymic place names Julen or Jullien, which are found in various regions of the Basque Country. The name has also been traced back to the surname Julian, a Latin name that was common among early Christians and later adopted by the Spanish and French populations. Notable individuals with the surname Julen include athletes such as Joseba Etxeberria, a former footballer for Athletic Bilbao, and Aritz Julen, a Basque pelota player. The Julen family is also known to have significant roots in Navarra, Spain, where they were feudal lords during the Middle Ages.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 27 July 2025

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