Saul
Saul is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “Asked for, prayed for”, pronounced SAWL. It ranked #557 in the United States in 2025, given to 535 babies, and peaked at #270 in 1997. Common nicknames: Sauly, Sol.
How popular is Saul in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Saul mean, and where does it come from?
Saul is the Hebrew Sha'ul, "asked for" — the first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel and eventually abandoned by him, and also the name Paul carried before Damascus. It has been in American birth records since 1880 and remains steady, common in Jewish and Spanish-speaking families alike. Saul Bellow won the Nobel Prize for Literature; Saul Kripke rewrote modal logic while still a teenager; and a fictional Saul Goodman has done the name no harm at all.
How is Saul used around the world?
Saul is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 7+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Saul?
Famous People Named Saul
- Saul Bellow — American novelist and Nobel laureate
- Saul Kripke — American philosopher and logician
- Saul Steinberg — Romanian-American cartoonist for The New Yorker
Similar Names to Saul
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Sibling Name Ideas for Saul
Looking for names that pair well with Saul? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Saul mean?
Saul is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Asked for, prayed for." Saul is the Hebrew Sha'ul, "asked for" — the first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel and eventually abandoned by him, and also the name Paul carried before Damascus. It has been in American birth records since 1880 and remains steady, common in Jewish and Spanish-speaking families alike.
How do you pronounce Saul?
Saul is pronounced SAWL. Common variations include Shaul, Saúl, Sauly.
Is Saul a boy name?
Yes, Saul is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Sauly, Sol.