Saul

Saul is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, from Sha'ul meaning "asked for" or "prayed for." The name has appeared in various cultures and languages, often rendered as Saul, Saúl, or Shaul.

In the Hebrew Bible, Saul (Hebrew: Sha'ul) was the first king of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah. Brought to power by the prophet Samuel, he reigned roughly in the late 11th century BCE. His reign saw initial successes, but he fell out of favor with God after failing to completely obey the divine command in several instances, most famously in the episode involving Amalek. His anointing is described in 1 Samuel, and his rivalry with David ends with his death in battle against the Philistines.

In the New Testament, Saul of Tarsus—later known as Paul the Apostle—was a Jewish Pharisee who persecuted early Christians. According to Acts, he experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus and became a leading Christian missionary in the first century. He undertook multiple journeys, founded communities across the Roman world, and authored several epistles whose letters form a substantial portion of the New Testament. The name Saul is commonly used to refer to him in earlier Christian traditions; after his baptism, he is typically called Paul.

Other figures and fictional characters bear the name Saul, and it remains in use in many countries as a personal name. In addition to individuals, the name has appeared in art, music, and literature, reflecting its long-standing cultural presence. When encountering the term, readers should consider context to distinguish the biblical king, the apostle, or other people named Saul.