Saul

Origin

Hebrew origin, derived from the name שָׁאוּל (Sha'ul), meaning 'asked for' or 'prayed for'. Mentioned in the Bible as the first king of Israel, Saul has historical roots in Jewish, Christian, and Hebrew traditions. In Australian contexts, the name has been adopted primarily through Christian religious influence and biblical references.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'asked for' or 'prayed for'. In Australian English contexts, it connotes someone who is valued or sought after, often associated with leadership or strong character.

Pronunciation

/sɔːl/ (Australian English pronunciation, stress on the first syllable, rhyming with 'pole') ,'saul' in speech: /sɔːl/ .  — 'Sawl' with a long 'aw' sound.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 15 January (Feast of Saint Saul, recognised in some Christian calendars)
• 16 January (Eastern Orthodox Feast of Saint Saul of Tarsus)
• 21 June (Māori Matariki celebrations, where mārama or enlightenment themes are relevant)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with saul:

• James and Henry
• Anna and Grace (for sisters)
• No specific pairing as per cultural trends, but classic combinations are popular in Australia.

Fun Facts

• The name Saul appears in various Australian literary works, symbolising leadership and moral dilemmas.
• Famous Australian sports personalities with the name include Saul 'SM' Meninga, a renowned rugby league coach and former player.
• The name has seen sporadic popularity, often associated with biblical revival or classic naming trends in Australia.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name saul:

• Leadership
• Determined
• Traditional
• Religious

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and robust, with strong consonants and simple phonetics that suit Australian tastes for straightforward names with historical depth. Visually, the name appears balanced and timeless.

Geographical Distribution

More common in Western Australia and New South Wales, with historical peaks in urban centres due to Christian influence; less common in Queensland and Northern Territory.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7 in Pythagorean numerology, associated with introspection and spiritual insight, fitting for a thoughtful personality or someone believed to have a leadership calling.

Astrological Connections

Name linked with the zodiac signs of Cancer and Pisces due to their association with intuition, leadership, and emotional depth, aligning with the biblical and moral themes of the name.

Historical Context

Saul is a significant biblical figure, depicted in ancient texts and inspired many literary and religious references. The name has been borne by several notable Australians, including politicians, actors, and athletes, contributing to its cultural significance.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name is fairly stable across languages, with slight variations such as 'Saulo' in Spanish and Portuguese speaking communities, and 'Sauli' in Finnish contexts.

Famous People Named saul

• Saul Eslake (Economist)
• Saul Lucas (Australian actor)
• Saul Zaik (Business entrepreneur)

Popularity in Australia