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Paris
Pronounced PAR-ees /ˈpær.is/Low
Meaning: uncertain; possibly 'foremost man'Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
The origin of Paris is genuinely uncertain; one suggestion is 'foremost man,' and the name probably comes from Luwian rather than Greek itself. It is best known from Greek myth as the Trojan prince whose choice sparked the Trojan War. The honest position is that no single meaning is firmly settled.
The two even syllables give it a balanced, classical sound that works as a boy's name despite later association with the French city. Media figure Paris Hilton, who carries it as her given name, shows its modern unisex reach.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Paris Hilton (1981–present)American media personality; Paris is her given name.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Paris mean?
Paris is a Greek name from the Trojan prince, probably of Luwian origin, possibly meaning 'foremost man'.
How do you pronounce Paris?
It's commonly said PAR-ees /ˈpær.is/.
Is Paris a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Paris is used as a boy name.
How popular is Paris?
In 2024, Paris ranked #2583 in the U.S. for boys, with 52 births recorded.