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Paul Name Meaning, Origins & History

Paul

Pronunciation: PAWL

Meaning Small Origin Latin Gender Boy
BOYS RANK
#262
TREND
2
Peak Years
1957, 1956, 1964
Lowest Years
1881, 1880, 1883
Energy Archetype
Intellectual & Expressive

Rank shows the name’s position among U.S. baby names for each gender in 2025. Trend shows how many places it rose or fell since 2024. Rank 1 is the most popular. Based on U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) data. Peak and lowest years are based on the number of boys named Paul in the available records.

Fun Facts About the Name Paul

  • A favorite across generations: Paul stayed in the U.S. top 100 every year from 1880 through 2025 - 146 consecutive years.
  • An all-time favorite: U.S. records show 1,398,259 boys named Paul from 1880 through 2025.
  • More than 1 million babies named Paul: U.S. records list 1,404,102 babies given the name Paul from 1880 through 2025. Even 5,843 girls received the name Paul - about 1 girl for every 239 boys.

What Does the Name Paul Mean?

Paul comes from the Latin name Paulus, which means "small" or "little." The Latin adjective paulus has that literal sense; the common gloss "humble" is a customary extension of the idea of smallness rather than a separate etymology. Paulus was a Roman cognomen, or family surname, used by Roman families such as the Aemilii. In the Greek New Testament, the apostle's name appears as Paulos (Παῦλος), a Greek form of the Latin name. The English Paul descends from Latin Paulus, generally by way of Old French Paul.

Paul Name History & Origins

The Latin Paulus was an inherited Roman surname before it became a common personal name. Its best-known early bearer in Christian tradition is Saul of Tarsus, a Jewish Pharisee and Roman citizen who, according to the Acts of the Apostles, was also called Paulos (Acts 13:9). As the apostle Paul, he wrote letters that became part of the New Testament, and his missionary activity helped make the name familiar throughout the early Christian world. The name was also borne by early popes, including Pope Paul I in the eighth century, and by numerous saints and church writers. In the Eastern Church the Greek form Paulos and its Slavic descendants, such as Russian Pavel, remained common. In Western Europe, Latin Paulus developed into forms including Italian Paolo, Spanish Pablo, French Paul, and German Paul. The English form Paul came into use in the Middle Ages and was reinforced by the biblical name; it continued in regular use in the modern period.

How Popular is the Name Paul?

Paul has maintained century-spanning popularity, remaining an unbroken fixture in the U.S. top 100 continuously from 1880 to 2000.

U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.

Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.

Famous People Named Paul

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Paul Cézanne
Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin

Explore Name Lists Featuring Paul

Carl appears in several baby name collections based on U.S. popularity records, naming trends, and name characteristics. Explore these lists to discover other names with similar histories, styles, or features.

Century-Long Favorite Boy Names

Classic Baby Names That Stand the Test of Time

Most Popular Boy Names at All Time

Most Popular Boy Names of All Time

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How the Name Paul Shapes Your Personality and Life?

You have a power of expression, either in speaking or writing. You are in favor for studying and research. You are clever, clear-sighted and intellectual. You don't like to let others know your true feelings. You might be atheistic or agnostic. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. You know what you want and why you want it.

You are seeking freedom, opportunities to enjoy life: to make love, to go places and to do things. You are very adventurous and willing to take risk to achieve your objectives. New ways and new experiences can't satisfy your restless nature. One adventure leads you to another. You are honest and fair, because you know that this is the only way to receive justice and honesty from other people. But your personal growth is vital for you, and it is difficult to be tied down by rules and obligations. Your restless spirit might best controlled by choosing the field of work that meet your demand for action and adventure.

✦ Paul's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Paul's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.
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