Paris

At a Glance

Meaning

Either from the Trojan prince of Greek mythology, or from the city of Paris (ultimately the Gallic Parisii tribe name)

Origin

Greek / French (dual origin)

Gender

Neutral

Pronunciation

PAIR-issListen

Paris is a neutral name, pronounced PAIR-iss, with a genuine dual origin: it traces either to the Trojan prince of Greek mythology or to the city of Paris, itself named after the ancient Gallic Parisii tribe. You may have heard it means 'lover,' thanks to the Paris-and-Helen myth, but that's a plot association rather than a translation — the prince's name has no confirmed root meaning, and much of the name's use today actually comes from the French city rather than the myth. It has a vintage feel overall.

Meaning & Origin of Paris

Meaning: Either from the Trojan prince of Greek mythology, or from the city of Paris (ultimately the Gallic Parisii tribe name).

Origin: Greek / French (dual origin).

A common claim: Often assumed to mean 'lover' because of the Paris-and-Helen myth. Actually: Paris doesn't mean 'lover' – that's a plot association, not a translation. The Trojan prince's name has no confirmed root meaning, and much of today's use of the name instead traces to the unrelated French city.

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Paris

Popularity of Paris

Paris hit its peak at #157 in 2004, when 2,150 babies were given the name; by 2024 it had fallen to #484, with 633 babies, so it's still in use but well off its early-2000s high.

Names Like Paris

These names share Paris’s style, era or origin.

• Alex
• Atlas
• Onyx
• Alexander
• Barbara
• Catherine

FAQ

What does the name Paris mean?

Either from the Trojan prince of Greek mythology, or from the city of Paris (ultimately the Gallic Parisii tribe name). (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Paris?

Paris is pronounced PAIR-iss (IPA: /ˈpærɪs/).

Is Paris a popular name right now?

Paris peaked at #157 in 2004 and is ranked #484 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1881–2024.)

Make Paris Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Paris, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.