Paulo
Paulo is a boy name of Portuguese origin meaning “Small, humble”, pronounced POW-loo. It ranked #1559 in the United States in 2025, given to 110 babies, and peaked at #935 in 1973. Common nicknames: Paulinho, Lito.
How popular is Paulo in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Paulo mean, and where does it come from?
Paulo is the Portuguese form of Paul, from the Latin paulus, "small," the name the apostle used in the Greek-speaking world instead of Saul. It is one of the most common men's names in Brazil and Portugal, and São Paulo is the largest city in the southern hemisphere. American records hold it since 1913; it entered the top thousand in 1971 and has stayed in modest use. Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist has been translated into more languages than any other novel by a living author.
How is Paulo used around the world?
Paulo is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 12+ international variants.
Female FormPaula
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Paulo?
Famous People Named Paulo
- Paulo Coelho — Brazilian novelist, author of The Alchemist
- Paulo Freire — Brazilian educator and author of Pedagogy of the Oppressed
- Paulo Dybala — Argentine international footballer
Similar Names to Paulo
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Sibling Name Ideas for Paulo
Looking for names that pair well with Paulo? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Paulo mean?
Paulo is a boy name of Portuguese origin meaning "Small, humble." Paulo is the Portuguese form of Paul, from the Latin paulus, "small," the name the apostle used in the Greek-speaking world instead of Saul. It is one of the most common men's names in Brazil and Portugal, and São Paulo is the largest city in the southern hemisphere.
How do you pronounce Paulo?
Paulo is pronounced POW-loo. Common variations include Paul, Pablo, Paolo.
Is Paulo a boy name?
Yes, Paulo is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Paulinho, Lito.