Paul

Small, humble — a boy name of Latin origin

GenderBoy
OriginLatin
MeaningSmall, humble
PronunciationPAWL

Popularity of Paul in the United States

#262Rank in 2025
1,316Births in 2025
#12 in 1916Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Paul

Paul derives from the Latin name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." The name's enduring popularity is largely due to Saint Paul the Apostle, originally named Saul of Tarsus, who adopted the name Paul after his conversion to Christianity and became one of the most influential figures in early Christian history. His epistles form a significant portion of the New Testament. The name has been borne by six popes, multiple kings of Greece, and countless notable figures across art, science, and politics. Paul remains a timeless classic, valued for its simplicity and profound religious heritage.

Paul Around the World

Paul is used in 5 languages worldwide, with 28+ international variants.

Languages
FrenchGermanEnglishDutchRomanian
Details

Female FormKoffi

International Variants
PauCatalan
PavelRussian
PállIcelandic
PawelPolish
PavloUkrainian
PoulDanish
PabloSpanish
PaulinoSpanish
PaavoFinnish
PavleMacedonian
Paulos
PovilasLithuanian
Pavlos
PaoloItalian
PavolSlovak
PálHungarian
PålSwedish
PauloPortuguese
PauliFinnish
PawełPolish
Paol
PaulíCatalan
Pol
Paúl
Povl
PhaolôVietnamese
PaoraMāori
Paľo

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Paul

PauliePauly

Famous People Named Paul

  • Paul McCartney — English musician and member of the Beatles
  • Paul Newman — American actor and philanthropist
  • Paul Cezanne — French Post-Impressionist painter

Similar Names to Paul

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Sibling Name Ideas for Paul

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Paul mean?

Paul is a boy name of Latin origin meaning "Small, humble." Paul derives from the Latin name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." The name's enduring popularity is largely due to Saint Paul the Apostle, originally named Saul of Tarsus, who adopted the name Paul after his conversion to Christianity and became one of the most influential figures in early Christian history.

How do you pronounce Paul?

Paul is pronounced PAWL. Common variations include Paulo, Paolo, Pavel.

Is Paul a boy name?

Yes, Paul is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Paulie, Pauly.

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