Paris

Meaning & origin

Paris is a name with deep roots in classical mythology and geography, yet its modern usage is distinctly contemporary. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1917, but it remained relatively uncommon for decades. It saw a dramatic surge in popularity starting in the early 2000s, reaching a peak in 2004. Since 2005, its usage has been in decline, though it remains a familiar choice. In 2025, Paris ranked 592nd for girls, with about 1 in 3,234 newborn girls receiving the name. Geographically, it has been most popular in Washington D.C., Mississippi, and Alabama, suggesting a regional preference in parts of the South and Mid-Atlantic. The name's dual association with the legendary prince of Troy and the romantic French capital gives it a stylish, cosmopolitan feel.

Paris is the name of the Trojan prince in Homer's Iliad whose abduction of Helen sparked the Trojan War. The name's origin is uncertain; it may derive from a Gaulish root meaning 'enclosure' or 'boundary', or from the Greek word 'paris' (meaning 'equal' or 'balancing'). The French capital, named after the Gaulish Parisii tribe, shares the name but has no direct connection to the mythological figure. As a given name in the English-speaking world, it has been used for both sexes since the early 20th century, with a notable rise in the 2000s.