Holding steady.
Popularity of Paschal since 1902
Babies named Paschal per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1926, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Paschal's real moment was 1902.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 112 |
| 1920s | 149 |
| 1930s | 79 |
| 1940s | 96 |
| 1950s | 48 |
| 1960s | 36 |
| 1970s | 17 |
| 1980s | 7 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 20 |
| 2020s | 12 |
Meaning & origin
Paschal is a historically Christian name derived from the Latin word for Easter, making it a seasonal choice for boys born around the holiday. In the United States, it first appeared in 1902, though it never gained widespread use; its peak year, also 1902, saw only a handful of births. The name's trajectory has been extremely stable, remaining essentially absent from modern rankings. Its connection to the Passover season gives it religious resonance, while its rarity ensures uniqueness.
Derived from the Latin 'Paschalis', meaning 'of Easter', from 'Pascha' (Easter), itself from Hebrew 'Pesach' (Passover). The name was used in early Christian communities for children born at Eastertide. It became common in medieval France and England, often given to boys born on Easter Sunday.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pash, Passey
Sibling names for Paschal
Names that share Paschal's style, for a brother or sister.
