Holding steady, #4,249 for boys today.
Popularity of Shaul since 1973
Babies named Shaul per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 27 |
| 1980s | 80 |
| 1990s | 96 |
| 2000s | 129 |
| 2010s | 237 |
| 2020s | 161 |
Meaning & origin
Shaul is the Hebrew original of Saul, best known as the first king of Israel in the Hebrew Bible. While the name has seen continuous use in Jewish communities, in the United States its recorded usage began in 1973. It reached its peak popularity in 2021 and has remained relatively stable. In 2025, it ranked 4249, with roughly 1 in 71170 boys given the name. The state of New York had the highest usage. Despite its ancient origins, Shaul remains a rare choice, offering a direct connection to biblical tradition without becoming widely common.
Shaul is the Hebrew original of Saul, derived from the Hebrew root שאל (sha'al), meaning 'to ask, to borrow.' In the Hebrew Bible, Shaul was the first king of Israel. The name has been used by Jewish communities for centuries, though in English-speaking countries, the Greek or Latin form Saul has been more common.
Where Shaul is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Saul
Sibling names for Shaul
Names that share Shaul's style, for a brother or sister.
