This is an English name originating from Julian which hails chiefly from Devon and Cornwall, with European connections. Julian is from a medieval given name and finds its roots in the Latin "Julius" generating from Iovis, the supreme God whose name seems to be akin to words for sky, light or day. Julian is a name which has been borne by a number of early saints and both it and its feminine counter part, Gillian, enjoyed great popularity in pre 16th Century England. It is interesting to note that one Sara those living in the early American colony of Virginia. Going back in time, we see that a William Bragdon and a Bennet Julyans were granted a marriage licence in 1574 in London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Walter Julien, which was dated 1200 Pipe Rolls of London, during the reign of King John, "Lackland", 1199 - 1216. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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