"one who is inquired after"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Shaul
Pronunciation: [ sh-AWL ]
Does Shaul flow with your last name?
The Hebrew name of Israel first king
Jewish
Israeli
Biblical
Spiritual
Traditional
Classic
Royal
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Shaul
Shaul is the original Hebrew form of the name anglicized as Saul. It derives from the root sha-al, meaning to ask or to inquire — with the name carrying the sense of one who was asked for or prayed for. In the Hebrew Bible, Shaul was the first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel at the request of the Israelite people who asked God for a king.
Shaul remains popular in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide. In Israel it consistently ranks in the top 100 names for boys. In diaspora communities, the English form Saul is more common, but Shaul has grown as Hebrew names are embraced more broadly.
As the name of Israel first king, Shaul carries enormous weight in Jewish culture. In Kabbalistic tradition, names beginning with shin are considered particularly powerful. The Apostle Paul, born as Shaul of Tarsus, also bears this name.
Historical Record
Shaul first appeared in US Social Security records in 1973.
Over 706 babies have been named Shaul in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Shaul is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,378 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Apostle Paul was born Shaul of Tarsus — one of the most famous name changes in religious history
- Shaul is mentioned 405 times in the Hebrew Bible, making it one of the most prominent biblical names
Shaul in Other Languages
Greek
Σαούλ
Latin
Saul
Arabic
شاول
Hebrew
שָׁאוּל
Spanish
Saúl
Popularity Over Time
#4,378
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Shaul
S
S
Saul (King of Israel)
Royalty
First king of ancient Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel, whose story is told in the Books of Samuel
S
Saul of Tarsus (Paul the Apostle)
Religious
Born Shaul, he became the Apostle Paul, one of the most influential figures in Christianity
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Compare Shaul with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,378
- Total SSA Count
- 24
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Israeli Biblical
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Shay
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, classic style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, Israeli heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, classic style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, Biblical heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Shaul
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Hebrew angelological tradition origin
"divine light"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shaul
What does the name Shaul mean?
"one who is inquired after" (from Hebrew). Shaul is the original Hebrew form of the name anglicized as Saul. It derives from the root sha-al, meaning to ask or to inquire — with the name carrying the sense of one who was asked for or prayed for. In the Hebrew Bible, Shaul was the first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel at the request of the Israelite people who asked God for a king.
What is the origin of the name Shaul?
Shaul has Hebrew, Jewish, Israeli, and Biblical origins. In Hebrew, it means "one who is inquired after".
Is Shaul a boy or girl name?
Shaul is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Shaul?
Shaul is pronounced sh-AWL.
How popular is the name Shaul?
Shaul is currently ranked #4378 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Shaul?
Common nicknames for Shaul include Shay.
What are good middle names for Shaul?
Popular middle name pairings include Shaul David, Shaul Aaron, Shaul Benjamin, Shaul Elijah, Shaul Nathan, and Shaul Joseph.
What are good sibling names for Shaul?
Names that pair well with Shaul as siblings include Rivka, Miriam, Dovid, Esther, Yosef, and Leah.
How many syllables does Shaul have?
Shaul has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Shaul a common or rare name?
Shaul is an uncommon name, ranked #4378 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Shaul?
About the Name Shaul
Shaul is a boy name with Jewish, Israeli, and Biblical origins . The name means "one who is inquired after" in Hebrew .
Shaul is currently ranked #4,378 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Shaul has 2 syllables and is pronounced sh-AWL, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Shaul include Shay. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Shaul include Shaun, Shaurya . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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