Paris

♀ Girl

Pronounced PAIR-iss /ˈpɛr.ɪs/High

Meaning: From the Greek mythological name Paris, possibly related to Parrhasios or a pre-Greek root; also the name of the French capital, from the Gaulish tribe the Parisii; as a modern given name often chosen for association with the romantic cityMedium

In 30 seconds: Paris is a name of mythological pedigree and cosmopolitan glamour — the Trojan prince who sparked the war, and the most romantic city on earth. It works beautifully for girls.

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Origin HighGreek, French

MeaningFrom the Greek mythological name Paris, possibly related to Parrhasios or a pre-Greek root; also the name of the French capital, from the Gaulish tribe the Parisii; as a modern given name often chosen for association with the romantic city

U.S. rank (2025)#592 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births497 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2004

Total births (all-time)≈ 33,654

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Paris is most famously the name of the Trojan prince whose abduction of Helen of Sparta triggered the Trojan War in Greek mythology. The name's etymology is uncertain — possibly from a pre-Greek root or related to pêra ('wallet' or 'pouch') in some ancient interpretations. The French capital takes its name from the Parisii, a Gaulish tribe who settled on an island in the Seine.

Paris as a given name became prominent in the United States in the 1980s–2000s, strongly associated with socialite Paris Hilton (born 1981), who gave the name a distinctly glamorous, modern identity for girls. It appears for both sexes, but trends female in current U.S. usage.

Did you know? Paris of Troy was not actually named at birth — according to some myths he was first named Alexandros ('defender of men') and only acquired the name Paris later — making it one of mythology's most intriguingly layered naming stories.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Paris — mythology and etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ParrisParise

Nicknames

Par

Famous Bearers

★Paris Hilton (1981–present)
American socialite, businesswoman, and media personality.

If you like Paris…

London— European capital city used as a girls' name with the same cosmopolitan appeal

Venice— iconic Italian city name with the same romantic European glamour

Rome— city name with the same ancient world and modern chic crossover

Sienna— Italian city-inspired name with the same elegant European resonance

Frequently Asked

What does the name Paris mean?

Paris comes from Greek mythology (the Trojan prince) and the French capital. The mythological name's exact meaning is uncertain; the city name comes from the Gaulish Parisii tribe.

How do you pronounce Paris?

It is said PAIR-iss in English — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Paris a boy or girl name?

Paris is used for both sexes but trends female in current U.S. usage.

How popular is Paris?

Paris has been a consistently popular girls' name in the U.S. since the 1990s, boosted by the fame of Paris Hilton.