From Greek mythology, Paris was the Trojan prince; also the French capital city name.
Paris is a name with two powerful inheritances, one mythic and one geographic. In Greek mythology, Paris was the Trojan prince whose judgment helped spark the Trojan War, making the name one of the most famous in classical literature. The exact ancient meaning of the mythological name is uncertain, as is often the case with very old names.
Separately, Paris is of course the name of the French capital, whose own history stretches back to the Gallic Parisii tribe. As a modern given name, Paris draws energy from both sources at once: the glamour and cosmopolitanism of the city, and the dramatic literary resonance of myth. That combination has made Paris unusually adaptable.
It has been used for both boys and girls, though in recent decades it has often been perceived as feminine in English-speaking countries, partly because of celebrity culture and the allure of the city’s image in fashion, art, and romance. Yet the name retains a masculine classical precedent, which gives it a gender-fluid depth not all place names possess. Literary and artistic associations with Paris, France, add layers of chic sophistication, while the Trojan Paris lends beauty, desire, and tragedy.
Over time the name has shifted from a primarily learned classical reference to a stylish modern choice, associated with elegance, worldliness, and a touch of drama. Few names carry such a vivid blend of epic story and urban mythmaking.