All about the name

Paris

Male

« Paris is a unisex given name of French origin, meaning "to work" or "to prepare", popularized during the Middle Ages due to Europeans' fascination with the East. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Paris is a unisex given name of French origin. It is derived from the city's name, which means "to work" or "to prepare". The name Paris has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Paris, the son of Priam in Greek mythology, and Saint Paris, a seventh-century bishop who gave his name to the French capital. The name Paris gained significant popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe. It was often given to boys born around the time of the Fourth Crusade (1204), which saw the conquest of Constantinople by Western European crusaders. During this period, many Europeans became fascinated with the East and named their children after Eastern cities and places, including Paris. In literature, the name Paris has been immortalized in works such as William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," where it is the given name of Juliet's nurse. Additionally, the French novelist Honoré de Balzac used the name for a character in his novel "Père Goriot." Today, the name Paris continues to be popular among parents seeking unique and memorable names for their children. While it has traditionally been considered more masculine due to its historic usage, in recent years there has been an increase in its use as a female name. Ultimately, the name Paris is associated with elegance, culture, and sophistication, reflecting the city's reputation as a hub of art, fashion, and gastronomy.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Paris since 1880

Total births
9,148
Total since 1880
Peak year
1991
296 births
in 2023
66
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-7%
vs previous 5 years