Saul

“asked for, prayed for”

Israel origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#568US 2023

515Births / yr

↓Falling

40.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 198000

How to pronounce Saul

SAWL

/ˈsɔl/ · stress on SAWL · 1 syllable

“asked for, prayed for”

Israel origin · Unisex name

What does Saul mean and where does it come from?

Though traditionally a male name, Saul can be used as a feminine name in modern contexts. The name is of Hebrew origin, originating from the Old Testament where King Saul was the first king of Israel. The name carries a connotation of longing or desire, reflecting the act of prayer or request. It ha

Cultural significance

Saul has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of asked for, prayed for.

Peak popularity

Reached #8249 in 1982 — currently #568 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Saul?

Saul works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Saul Grace

How popular is Saul right now?

Falling — down 55 spots — currently #568 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#568 · Top 0.42%

1980

1985

1990

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#568	515	▼ down 55 · -11% births
2022	#513	581	▲ up 43 · +13% births
2021	#556	513	▲ up 12617 · +8450% births
2000	#13173	6	▼ down 2952 · -14% births
1990	#10221	7	▼ down 1871
1985	#8350	7	▲ up 2087 · +40% births
1980	#10437	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Saul

Best Year2022Rank #513

Peak Count581

Average Rank#6260

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 20237 years

The story of Saul

Saul is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1980. A total of 40,667 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10437 in 1980 to #568 in 2023. Saul is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Saul in 1982:

Jennifer Jessica Amanda Sarah Melissa

Saul by decade

Saul peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	87
1890s	115
1900s	245
1910s	1,662
1920s	1,997
1930s	1,234
1940s	973
1950s	1,241
1960s	1,520
1970s	2,713
1980s	4,146
1990s	7,411
2000s ★	10,541
2010s	6,306
2020s	476

What are good nicknames for Saul?

Common

SaulieSauly

What names sound and feel like Saul?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Saul also consider these

Shaul

Israel · Asked for, prayed

American · a variant of

Saud

Saudi Arabia · fortunate, auspicious

Naul

Irish · Irish

Zaul

Basque Country · a name of

Aul

Norway · Norwegian

How is Saul written in other languages?

שָׁאוּל

Hebrew

Common questions about the name Saul

What does the name Saul mean?

Saul means "asked for, prayed for" — a name rooted in Israel tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Saul?

Saul is currently ranked #568 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Saul?

Saul originates from Israel tradition. Israel names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Saul?

Saul is a one-syllable name pronounced S AO1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Saul sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Saul flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Saul ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.