A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Pascal since 1889
Babies named Pascal per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2024, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Pascal's real moment was 1910.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 23 |
| 1900s | 18 |
| 1910s | 198 |
| 1920s | 221 |
| 1930s | 175 |
| 1940s | 138 |
| 1950s | 167 |
| 1960s | 155 |
| 1970s | 187 |
| 1980s | 210 |
| 1990s | 278 |
| 2000s | 259 |
| 2010s | 291 |
| 2020s | 224 |
Meaning & origin
Pascal is a historically rich name with a clear Christian etymology, ranking 3,583rd in 2025 with approximately 1 in 55,099 boys given the name. Its peak came early, in 1910, but it has been rising in use since 1985, reflecting a revival of classic French names. The name's strongest association in the United States is with California, its top state. While never among the most common names, Pascal's steady ascent over recent decades suggests a growing appreciation for its elegant sound and cultural depth, especially among parents seeking a distinctive yet traditional choice.
From the Late Latin name Paschalis, derived from pascha meaning 'Easter', itself from Hebrew pesach 'Passover'. The name was borne by several early saints and became popular in medieval France. It saw a revival in the 20th century, particularly in French-speaking countries, and has been used across Europe.
Where Pascal is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Pascal” around the world
Where Pascal lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pas, Paco, Pat
Sibling names for Pascal
Names that share Pascal's style, for a brother or sister.
