All about the name
Soul
Female
« The name Soul is of English origin, meaning "soul", inspired by its religious significance and used as a given name since the late Middle Ages, often for girls but also boys. It gained popularity during the Victorian era and has been associated with depth and sincerity in literature and art. Today, Soul is still used for both boys and girls in English-speaking countries, evoking feelings of spiritual significance and making it a meaningful choice for parents. »
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Meaning, origin, history
The name Soul is of English origin and it means "soul". It has been used as a given name since the late Middle Ages in England, often given to girls but also sometimes to boys. The name gained popularity during the Victorian era and was popularized by authors such as Charlotte Brontë, who used the name for one of her characters in her novel "Jane Eyre".
The name Soul is thought to have been inspired by the religious significance of the word "soul" itself, which refers to the spiritual or immaterial part of a person that is believed to survive after physical death. In some cultures and religions, the soul is considered to be the essence of a person's being, and giving a child this name may have been seen as a way of wishing them a deep and meaningful life.
In literature and art, Soul has also been used as a symbol or metaphor for something that is pure, genuine, or true. For example, in Oscar Wilde's play "Salome", the main character says that she will kiss the prophet Jokanaan on the mouth because he has "a soul that is pure". This usage of the name Soul may have contributed to its popularity as a given name.
Today, Soul is still used as a given name for both boys and girls in English-speaking countries. It is often spelled with an "l" at the end, although some variations such as Sol or Sole also exist. The name Soul continues to evoke feelings of depth, sincerity, and spiritual significance, making it a meaningful choice for parents looking for a distinctive and memorable name for their child.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Soul since 1880
Total births
237
Total since 1880
Peak year
2021
50 births
in 2023
49
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+405%
↗
vs previous 5 years