"named after the Parisii Gallic tribe"
Origin: Gaulish Celtic
Language: French
Paris
Pronunciation: [ p-EHR-ihs ]
Does Paris flow with your last name?
From Troy's prince to the City of Light
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Meaning & Origin
"defender (Greek mythological meaning)"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with female use due to Paris Hilton's fame, which may lead to gender-related comments for boys
The Story of Paris
Paris has two distinct origins: in Greek mythology, Paris (also called Alexander) was the Trojan prince whose abduction of Helen sparked the Trojan War — his name may derive from the Greek 'parrhasios' meaning 'defender.' Separately, the French capital Paris derives its name from the Parisii, a Gallic tribe that settled on the Seine around 250 BC. As a given name, it was originally distinctly masculine (from Greek myth) before becoming gender-neutral in the late 20th century.
Paris as a given name was historically used for boys (from Greek mythology), but shifted strongly toward girls in the late 1990s and 2000s primarily due to Paris Hilton's celebrity. For boys, it remains a distinctive choice that reclaims the name's classical masculine origins.
In Homer's Iliad, Paris is both the catalyst and a key figure in the Trojan War. His judgment — choosing Aphrodite's gift of the most beautiful woman over wisdom (Athena) or power (Hera) — set in motion one of the greatest stories in Western literature.
Historical Record
Paris first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 7,785 babies have been named Paris in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Paris is past its peak , currently ranked #2,566 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Greek mythology, Paris was also known as Alexander — suggesting he was both a shepherd's son and a prince
- The Roman poet Ovid's 'Heroides' includes a letter from Paris to Helen, one of the earliest examples of epistolary fiction
Paris in Other Languages
Greek
Paris
Latin
Paris
French
Paris
Italian
Paride
Spanish
Paris
Popularity Over Time
#2,566
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1991
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,566
- Total SSA Count
- 52
- Cultural Origins
- American French Greek English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Par
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Paris
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Paris is also used as a girl name, ranked #484.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paris
What does the name Paris mean?
"named after the Parisii Gallic tribe" (from Gaulish Celtic). "defender (Greek mythological meaning)" (from Greek). Paris has two distinct origins: in Greek mythology, Paris (also called Alexander) was the Trojan prince whose abduction of Helen sparked the Trojan War — his name may derive from the Greek 'parrhasios' meaning 'defender.' Separately, the French capital Paris derives its name from the Parisii, a Gallic tribe that settled on the Seine around 250 BC. As a given name, it was originally distinctly masculine (from Greek myth) before becoming gender-neutral in the late 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Paris?
Paris has Gaulish Celtic, Greek, American, French, and English origins. In Gaulish Celtic, it means "named after the Parisii Gallic tribe". In Greek, it means "defender (Greek mythological meaning)".
Is Paris a boy or girl name?
Paris is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2566. As a girl name, it is ranked #484. Paris is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Paris?
Paris is pronounced p-EHR-ihs.
How popular is the name Paris?
Paris is currently ranked #2566 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Paris?
Common nicknames for Paris include Par.
What are good middle names for Paris?
Popular middle name pairings include Paris James, Paris Alexander, Paris Elias, Paris Sebastian, Paris Theodore, Paris Julian, and Paris Michael.
What are good sibling names for Paris?
Names that pair well with Paris as siblings include Troy, Phoebe, Helena, Achilles, Athena, Orion, and Cassandra.
How many syllables does Paris have?
Paris has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Paris a common or rare name?
Paris is an uncommon name, ranked #2566 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Paris
Paris is a boy name with American, French, Greek, and English origins . The name means "named after the Parisii Gallic tribe" in Gaulish Celtic .
Is Paris a boy or girl name? Paris is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,566 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #484. Paris is more commonly used as a girl name.
Paris is currently ranked #2,566 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Paris has 2 syllables and is pronounced p-EHR-ihs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Paris include Par. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis