Find out how popular the first name Saul has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Saul by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Saul is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Saul being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 514 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Saul.

The history of the first name Saul

The name Saul has its origins in ancient Hebrew culture and language. It is derived from the Hebrew word "sha'ul," which means "asked for" or "prayed for." This name has deep roots in the biblical tradition and is found in various sacred texts.

One of the earliest and most prominent references to the name Saul is in the Old Testament of the Bible. Saul was the first king of the united Kingdom of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel around 1025 BCE. His reign was marked by both victories and struggles, and his story is detailed in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel.

Another notable figure bearing the name Saul was the Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus. Born around 5 CE, he was a influential figure in the early spread of Christianity. After a dramatic conversion experience, he became a zealous advocate for the Christian faith and played a pivotal role in the expansion of the religion throughout the Roman Empire.

In the realm of literature, the name Saul appears in various works. One example is the novel "Saul Bellow" by the celebrated American author Saul Bellow (1915-2005), who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1976. Bellow's works explored the complexities of modern urban life and the human condition.

The Spanish poet and playwright Félix Lope de Vega y Carpio (1562-1635), one of the most prolific and influential writers of the Spanish Golden Age, also bore the name Saul as part of his full name.

Another notable figure named Saul was Saul Alinsky (1909-1972), an American community organizer and writer. His book "Rules for Radicals" became a influential work on grassroots organizing and social activism.

Throughout history, the name Saul has carried a rich heritage and has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, including religious figures, writers, and social activists. Its Hebrew origins and biblical associations have contributed to its enduring presence and cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Saul was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Saul, please contact us.

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