Shaul

♂ Boy

Pronounced shah-OOL /ʃɑˈul/Medium

Meaning: From Hebrew Sha'ul, 'asked for, prayed for' — the original form of Saul (Israel's first king)Medium

In 30 seconds: Prayed-for and royal: Shaul is the Hebrew Saul — 'asked for'. The first king of Israel's name, devout and strong.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningFrom Hebrew Sha'ul, 'asked for, prayed for' — the original form of Saul (Israel's first king)

U.S. rank (2025)#4368 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births24 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 730

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

Shaul comes from Hebrew Sha'ul, 'asked for, prayed for' — the original form of Saul, Israel's first king (and the apostle Paul's birth name). A devout, royal, storied name.

In the U.S. it appears in Jewish and Israeli families. Rare, asked-for at the root, and royal.

Did you know? Shaul is the original Hebrew form of Saul, 'asked for, prayed for' — Israel's first king, and the apostle Paul's Hebrew name; devout and storied.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Saul — root etymology

Variations

SaulShaoolSha'ul

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Shaul of Rehoboth
biblical king of Edom mentioned in Genesis 36
★Shaul (tribe of Simeon)
son of Simeon and grandson of Jacob in the Hebrew Bible

If you like Shaul…

Saul— the English form

Shai— a fellow Sha- Hebrew name

Shimon— a companion Hebrew name

Shmuel— another biblical Hebrew name

Explore names like Shaul

By themehebrew biblical royal

By meaningRoyal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Shaul mean?

Shaul is the Hebrew Saul — 'asked for, prayed for'.

How do you pronounce Shaul?

It's said shah-OOL /ʃɑˈul/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Shaul a boy or girl name?

Shaul is a boy's name.

How popular is Shaul?

Shaul is a rare name in the U.S.