The name Yuliana has its origins in the Latin name Iuliana, which was derived from the male name Iulius. The name Iulius itself can be traced back to the ancient Roman gens (clan) of the Julii, one of the most prominent patrician families in ancient Rome. This clan claimed descent from the mythological hero Iulus, the son of Aeneas, who was said to have founded the Julian line.

The name Iuliana was initially used as a feminine form of Iulius, with the addition of the Latin feminine suffix "-ana". It gained popularity during the Roman Imperial period, particularly among the aristocratic and noble classes who sought to associate themselves with the prestigious Julian clan.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yuliana can be found in the writings of the 4th-century Christian author and philosopher, Aurelius Prudentius Clemens. In his work "Liber Peristephanon" (The Book of Crowns), he mentions a Christian martyr named Iuliana who was executed during the persecutions of the Roman emperor Galerius in the early 4th century.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Yuliana maintained its presence within the Christian tradition. It was borne by several notable figures, including Saint Juliana of Nicomedia (c. 284 – 305), a Christian martyr who was tortured and executed for her faith during the Diocletian persecution. Another prominent bearer of the name was Juliana of Norwich (c. 1342 – c. 1416), an English anchoress and mystic who is known for her influential work, "Revelations of Divine Love".

In the Renaissance era, Yuliana continued to be a popular name among the European nobility and aristocracy. One notable example is Juliana of the Netherlands (1509 – 1580), who was the Duchess of Brabant and Limburg and served as the regent of the Low Countries during the reign of her husband, William the Silent.

Moving into the modern era, the name Yuliana has maintained its presence across various cultures and languages. Some notable bearers of the name include Yuliana Avdeeva (1986 – ), a Russian chess player and grandmaster, and Yuliana Semyonovna Semyonova (1786 – 1849), a Russian ballerina and choreographer who is considered one of the pioneers of the Romantic ballet.

Overall, the name Yuliana has a rich and diverse history, spanning from its ancient Roman roots to its continued use in various cultures and contexts throughout the centuries. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its association with nobility, religious significance, and artistic expression, making it a name with a compelling historical legacy.