What does Shaul mean and where does it come from?
Shaul (שָׁאוּל) is a Hebrew name that has biblical origins, derived from the name Saul, the first king of Israel. 'Shaul' signifies someone who is asked for or prayed over, indicating a deep spiritual significance. The name has remained popular in Jewish communities and can also be found in other cu
Cultural significance
Shaul has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of asked for, prayed for.
Peak popularity
Reached #3648 in 1984 — currently #3979 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shaul?
Shaul works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shaul Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shaul Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shaul Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shaul Claire
French influence · crisp
Shaul Jane
Literary · strong
Shaul Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shaul right now?
Declining — down 10 spots — currently #3979 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3979 | 28 | ▼ down 10 |
| 2022 | #3969 | 28 | ▼ down 487 · -15% births |
| 2021 | #3482 | 33 | ▲ up 662 · +38% births |
| 2020 | #4144 | 24 | ▲ up 1440 · +50% births |
| 2015 | #5584 | 16 | ▼ down 1741 · -41% births |
| 2010 | #3843 | 27 | ▲ up 2519 · +125% births |
| 2005 | #6362 | 12 | ▼ down 274 · +9% births |
| 2000 | #6088 | 11 | ▲ up 1231 · +57% births |
| 1995 | #7319 | 7 | ▼ down 2737 · -42% births |
| 1990 | #4582 | 12 | ▲ up 8 · +33% births |
| 1985 | #4590 | 9 | ▲ up 2287 · +80% births |
| 1980 | #6877 | 5 | — |
The story of Shaul
Shaul is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 589 total births recorded, Shaul remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6877 in 1980 to #3979 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shaul in 1984:
Shaul by decade
Shaul peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 27 | |
| 1980s | 79 | |
| 1990s | 97 | |
| 2000s | 129 | |
| 2010s ★ | 233 | |
| 2020s | 24 | |
💎Shaul has only 589 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shaul?
What names sound and feel like Shaul?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shaul also consider these
How is Shaul written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Shaul
What does the name Shaul mean?
Shaul 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 Shaul?
Shaul is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Shaul?
Shaul 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 Shaul?
Shaul is a one-syllable name pronounced SH AO1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Shaul sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Shaul flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Shaul ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.