Name: Pascal
Meaning: “of the Passover; Easter”
Origin: French
Current Popularity: not ranked in the top 1000
We are in the season of Passover and Easter, and what name is more appropriate than Pascal? While Pascal is the French version of this name, it has many cognates in other languages: In Italian it’s Pasquale; in Spanish, Pascual; and in Portuguese, Pascoal. Then there are its feminine counterparts Pascale, Pascalle, and Pascalina.
Nickname Potential: Paz, Pat, Cal
Associations: Pascal’s associations are more as a last name than as a first, with philosopher Blaise Pascal the name’s most famous bearer. Game of Thrones and The Mandalorian actor Pedro Pascal gives us a contemporary association, though kids will know Pascal as Rapunzel’s pet chameleon in Disney’s Tangled. Pascal is also the name of a computer programming language and a unit of pressure measurement (both named after Blaise Pascal).
Similar Names: Alexi, Altair, Aurelius, Balthazar, Castiel, Clement, Dante, Inigo, Junius, Lionel, Lorenzo, Lucian, Marcel, Marius, Matteo, Oberon, Octavius, Raphael, Thierry
Why We Love It: The international appeal of Pascal is what really wins us over. Though we’re also fans of its soft sounds and “easy to pronounce but seldom heard” quality. With diverse associations from a philosopher to an animated chameleon to computer programming, anyone can find something to love in Pascal. And the name seems equally appropriate on a muddy-kneed toddler as a distinguished old man.
Who Might Like It: Christian parents who are expecting babies around the Easter season may fall in love with the meaning of this name, which isn’t obvious in its homage. Pascal is a high-style choice for parents, especially those with Gallic roots, who want a name that no one else will be choosing.