Shaul

“Asked for, prayed for”

Israel origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#3979US 2023

28Births / yr

↓Falling

589All-time births

📅 Since 197300

How to pronounce Shaul

SHAWL

/ˈʃɔl/ · stress on SHAWL · 1 syllable

“Asked for, prayed for”

Israel origin · Boy name

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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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

How popular is Shaul right now?

Declining — down 10 spots — currently #3979 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#3979 · Top 2.9%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shaul

Best Year2021Rank #3482

Peak Count33

Average Rank#5068

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 202312 years

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:

Michael Christopher Matthew Joshua David

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?

Common

ShaShaulieShauly

What names sound and feel like Shaul?

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

Saul

Israel · asked for, prayed

Shael

Israel · gift from God

Shaun

Ireland · God is gracious

Basque Country · a name of

How is Shaul written in other languages?

שָׁאוּל

Hebrew

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.