Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Saul
BoyHebrew· “asked for, prayed for”
- Meaning
- asked for, prayed for
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- SAWL
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #557
- US babies 2025
- 535
- Best rank
- #270 (1997)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Saul
Saul is a Hebrew name that means “asked for, prayed for”.
Saul comes from the Hebrew Sha'ul, meaning asked for or prayed for. In the Bible Saul was the first king of Israel, whose troubled reign ended with the rise of David. In the New Testament Saul of Tarsus is the Hebrew name of the apostle Paul before his conversion. The name has long been used in Jewish communities and is also common in Spanish-speaking countries as Saúl. Saul is short, strong and dignified. It has an ancient feel that suits parents looking for a biblical name outside the most common choices.
Popularity over time
Saul has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 142 different years. Its best national rank was #270 in 1997, and the most babies received it in 2006, when 1,120 were named Saul. In 2025, 535 babies were named Saul, and it ranked #557 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #415 in 1920, #650 in 1950, #432 in 1980, #287 in 2000, #379 in 2010, and #557 in 2025. Of the 43,288 US boys named Saul since records began, 24% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 7,388 babies. Since 2010, 9,474 more have been named Saul.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Arturo, Brayan, Adan, Pablo, and Rodrigo.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Saul ranked highest in Arizona, New Mexico, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | #256 | 32 |
| New Mexico | #265 | 8 |
| California | #313 | 117 |
| Texas | #336 | 113 |
| New Jersey | #447 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Saul is usually pronounced SAWL, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with S and ends in “-ul”.
Middle names for Saul
A few middle names that flow with Saul: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Saul
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Lists that include Saul
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Saul mean?
Saul is a Hebrew name that means “asked for, prayed for”.
What is the origin of the name Saul?
Saul has Hebrew roots. Saul comes from the Hebrew Sha'ul, meaning asked for or prayed for.
Is Saul a popular name?
Yes. Saul ranked #557 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Saul a boy or girl name?
Saul is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Saul?
Saul is usually pronounced SAWL. 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