Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Paris
GirlFrench, Greek· “from the French city; Trojan prince”
- Meaning
- from the French city; Trojan prince
- Origin
- French, Greek
- Pronunciation
- PEHR-ihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #592
- US babies 2025
- 497
- Best rank
- #157 (2004)
- Peak year
- 2004
Meaning and origin of Paris
Paris is a French and Greek name that is usually said to mean “from the French city; Trojan prince”.
Paris has two separate sources. As a place name it is the capital of France, named after the Parisii, a Gaulish tribe who lived along the Seine in Roman times. In Greek mythology Paris is the Trojan prince whose abduction of Helen set off the Trojan War. The two names are unrelated despite their identical spelling. As a given name Paris is now used mostly for girls in the United States, where it suggests glamour, art and romance, though it has also been given to boys. It is short, stylish and instantly recognizable.
Other spellings with the same sound: Parris.
Popularity over time
Paris first appears in US Social Security records in 1917. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 41 different years, starting in 1985. Its best national rank was #157 in 2004, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,150 babies. In 2025, 497 babies were named Paris, and it ranked #592 nationally. That is 59% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,596 in 1920, #3,183 in 1950, #1,717 in 1980, #473 in 2000, #327 in 2010, and #592 in 2025. Of the 33,663 US girls named Paris since records began, 33% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 10,345 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Mariana, Abby, Kyla, Delaney, and Ciara.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Paris ranked highest in District of Columbia, Mississippi, and Alabama.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #139 | 6 |
| Mississippi | #232 | 12 |
| Alabama | #262 | 19 |
| Georgia | #302 | 35 |
| Michigan | #388 | 23 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 92% of US babies named Paris over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Paris is usually pronounced PEHR-ihs, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with P and ends in “-is”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Parris.
Middle names for Paris
A few middle names that flow with Paris: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Paris
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Lists that include Paris
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Paris mean?
Paris is a French and Greek name that is usually said to mean “from the French city; Trojan prince”.
What is the origin of the name Paris?
Paris has French and Greek roots. Paris has two separate sources.
Is Paris a popular name?
Yes. Paris ranked #592 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Paris a boy or girl name?
Paris is mainly a girl's name. About 92% of US babies named Paris over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Paris?
Paris is usually pronounced PEHR-ihs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings