While it was once a ubiquitous choice for baby boys in the 20th century, Paul has settled into the sweet spot of being familiar yet underused in 2025. It carries the virtue of humility right in its definition, derived from the Latin for “small”, yet it has been borne by giants of history, rock stars, and saints.
Verdict: Paul is an impeccable choice for parents seeking a name that bridges the gap between gentle vintage charm and solid traditionalism. It is a name that doesn’t need to shout to be heard.
Paul Overview
- Meaning: Paul comes from the Latin Paulus, meaning “the small one.” It similarly means “little,” “humble,” and “modest.” As an Irish surname, it indicates a “son of Paul,” while Paul means “marsh” and “lagoon” in Spanish.
- Gender: Paul is traditionally a boy’s name.
- Origin: Paul originated as the Roman family name Paulus, meaning “small” or “humble.” In the Classical Age, Paul described the younger of two male family members with the same name. Saint Paul was a biblical figure who was originally named Saul and influenced many Christian boys to be named Paul.
- Pronunciation: Paul is pronounced “PAOL” in English, “POWL” in French, and “PAWL” in German.
- Popularity: Paul appeared in the top 20 U.S. baby names in 1968, but has generally declined since then. It has recently ranked in the top 300 U.S. boys’ names, yet ranked 7th in Germany in 2015 and 6th in Austria in 2014.
- Nicknames: Paa, Pal, Palo, Paly, Paulie, Pauly, Pav, Paw, Perry, Pip, Po, Pol, Ollie.
- Variations: Pablo, Pablu, Paolino, Paolo, Pascha, Paulus, Pavel, Pavo, Pawel, Pawl, Pawłos, Pódhl, Pol, Pouw, Pódhl.
- Namesakes: Paul Thomas Anderson, American film director known for “Magnolia” (1999). Paul McCartney, English musician and member of The Beatles.
What Does Paul Mean?
At its core, the name Paul is a lesson in virtue. It derives from the Latin adjective Paulus, which translates directly to “small” or “humble.”
While modern parents might pause at the idea of naming a child “small,” historical context is key here. In the Roman era and subsequent Christian tradition, this “smallness” was not about physical stature; rather, it referred to the virtue of humility. It suggests a person who does not need to take up all the air in the room to be significant.
In addition to its classical roots, there are nuanced meanings in other cultures. In Irish history, it functioned as a patronymic Anglo form of the Gaelic MacPhóil (Son of Paul). Interestingly, in certain Spanish toponyms, words similar to Paul can refer to a “marsh” or “lagoon,” though the name used for people almost exclusively ties back to the Latin origin of humility.
Where Does the Name Paul Come From?
Paul has one of the most robust pedigrees in Western naming history. It began as a Roman cognomen (a family nickname or third name), specifically within the patrician Gens Aemilia family. The most famous early bearer was Lucius Aemilius Paullus, a celebrated Roman general.
However, the name’s explosion into global usage is entirely thanks to the New Testament. Saint Paul the Apostle was originally a Jewish Roman citizen named Saul of Tarsus. After his dramatic conversion to Christianity on the road to Damascus, he adopted the Latin name Paul.
Historians and theologians often debate why he made the switch. Some believe it was simply the Roman version of his Hebrew name (Saul), while others believe he chose “Paul” (Little) to symbolize himself as the “least of the apostles.” Because of his massive influence on early Christianity, the name became a staple in every European language, from Pablo in Spain to Pavel in Russia.
How Popular is the Name Paul?
Paul is what we classify as a “sleeping giant.” For much of the 20th century, it was a juggernaut of American naming. It spent over 50 years in the Top 20, peaking as a defining name of the Baby Boomer generation (reaching as high as #12 in the 1960s).
However, like many mid-century favorites, Paul experienced a slow cooling period as parents in the 1990s and 2000s shifted toward surname-names (like Mason) or soft-vowel names (like Noah).
Currently, Paul sits comfortably in the Top 300. It is no longer trendy, which is exactly its appeal. It has transitioned from a “dad name” to a “grandpa name,” which usually signals a prime opportunity for a revival. It remains a massive hit internationally, regularly ranking in the Top 10 in German-speaking countries like Austria and Germany, proving its staying power.
How Do I Pronounce Paul?
In English, the pronunciation is straightforward and strong: PAWL. It rhymes with “tall,” “call,” and “hall.”
Because it is a single syllable with a soft opening consonant and a liquid “L” ending, it pairs beautifully with almost any surname, even difficult or long ones.
- French: POWL (similar to “bowl” but more open).
- German: PAWL (similar to English, but arguably crisper).
Is Paul a Boy or Girl Name?
Paul is traditionally and strictly a boy’s name. Unlike biblical names such as Noah or James, which have seen some crossover usage for girls in recent years, Paul has remained distinctively masculine. The traditional feminine forms are Paula, Paulina, or the French Paulette.
Variations of Paul
Because Saint Paul traveled extensively, his name was adopted into virtually every European language. These variations offer a way to honor the name while giving it a distinct cultural twist.
- Pablo (Spanish)
- Paolo (Italian)
- Pavel (Russian/Czech)
- Pál (Hungarian)
- Paulus (Latin/Dutch)
- Paora (Maori)
- Pau (Catalan)
- Pol (Swedish/Catalan)
- Poul (Danish)
- Pavlos (Greek)
- Boghos (Armenian)
- Pali (Albanian)
Nicknames for Paul
One of the benefits of a one-syllable name is that it doesn’t require a nickname. However, affectionate forms are always welcome.
- Paulie: The classic diminutive, famously used in pop culture.
- Pauly: A spelling variation of the above.
- P.J.: Perfect if you use a “J” middle name like James or John.
- Polo: A playful, energetic twist.
- Apollo: A creative, “stretch” nickname for a modern vibe.
- Pal: A sweet, friendly option for a young boy.
- Pop: A vintage nickname often used for Pauls in the early 1900s.
Names Similar to Paul
If you love the vibe of Paul, classic, biblical, and gentle, but aren’t 100% sold, consider these alternatives.
- Peter: The “peanut butter” to Paul’s “jelly.” They are the ultimate biblical pair. Peter shares the same sturdy, apostolic history.
- Mark: Another one-syllable New Testament classic that is widely recognized but currently underused.
- Silas: In the Bible, Silas was Paul’s travel companion. It feels slightly more modern and woodsy.
- Philip: gentle, royal, and Greek in origin, similar to Paul’s cross-cultural appeal.
- Thomas: A “doubting” twin to Paul’s unwavering faith; a solid classic.
- Simon: Shares the soft “S” and “N” sounds but retains a biblical backbone.
- David: The ultimate timeless classic that, like Paul, never truly fades away.
- Luke: A soft, single-syllable biblical name that is currently more popular than Paul.
- Jude: Short, sweet, and musical (like Paul McCartney’s “Hey Jude”).
Middle Names for Paul
Since Paul is short and simple, it acts as a perfect “anchor” for longer, more syllabic middle names.
Classic & Timeless
- Paul Alexander
- Paul Christopher
- Paul William
- Paul Anthony
- Paul Joseph
Modern & Cool
- Paul Maverick
- Paul Hudson
- Paul Xavier
- Paul Gray
- Paul Beckett
Nature & Soft
- Paul River
- Paul Oliver
- Paul Jasper
- Paul Rowan
- Paul Silas
Sibling Names for Paul
If you already have a little Paul at home, here are the best matches for his future brother or sister.
For a Brother
- Arthur
- Timothy
- Daniel
- George
- Henry
- Samuel
- Walter
- Edward
- Isaac
For a Sister
- Ruth
- Mary
- Alice
- Claire
- Hannah
- Jane
- Laura
- Sarah
- Grace
Famous People Named Paul
From rock and roll to the silver screen, Paul has been a name for the talented.
- Paul McCartney: The legendary bassist and songwriter for The Beatles, often cited as one of the most successful composers of all time.
- Paul Rudd: Ageless American actor loved for his roles in Ant-Man and Clueless.
- Paul Newman: An icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age, famous for his blue eyes and philanthropy.
- Paul Revere: The American silversmith and patriot famous for his “midnight ride” during the Revolutionary War.
- Paul Simon: Renowned American singer-songwriter, half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel.
- Paul Cézanne: French Post-Impressionist painter who laid the foundations for modern art.
- Paul Giamatti: Award-winning character actor known for his versatility.
Paul in Pop Culture
The name appears constantly in fiction, often used for characters who are grounded, relatable, or heroic.
- Paul Atreides: The messianic protagonist of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi masterpiece Dune.
- Paul Bunyan: The giant lumberjack of American folklore.
- Paulie Walnuts: A memorable, tough-guy character from The Sopranos.
- Paul Sheldon: The protagonist author in Stephen King’s novel Misery.
- Paul Kinsey: A copywriter character in the AMC drama Mad Men.
FAQs About the Name Paul
What Is Paul’s Name in Hebrew?
In the Hebrew Bible, Paul was originally named Saul. Another figure named Saul was King Saul, the first king of Israel. Paul comes from the Latin Paulus, meaning “small.” Some claim Saul became Paul in the Bible to relate to Greco-Roman readers.
What Does the Name Paul Mean in Arabic?
The Arabic equivalent to Paul is Boulos. It can also appear as Boulus, Boolos, Bulos, and Bulus. It means “small,” “little,” and “humble,” in addition to “small rock” and “polite.” Boulos is also an Arabic surname, but Paul itself is often confused for the Arabic “baul.” Baul is not a name but a casual Arabic word referring to “urine.”
Why Is Paul a Saint?
The biblical St. Paul is known for being the main contributor to what became the original Christian church. He is remembered for the Letters to the Romans and for his martyrdom, which led to his being a Catholic saint. St. Paul is considered the patron saint of missions, writers, and publishers. His feast day is celebrated on June 29.
Is Paul Considered an Old Man Name?
In 2025, Paul is often categorized as a “vintage” or “classic” name rather than simply an “old man” name. While it was peak popular in the 1950s and 60s, it is following the “100-year rule” where names from grandparents’ generations begin to sound fresh and distinguished again to new parents.
What Are Cool Nicknames for Paul?
While Paul is short enough not to need a nickname, “Paulie” is the most traditional option. For something more creative, some parents use “Polo,” “P.J.” (if the middle name starts with J), or even “Apollo” as a playful, modern stretch.
Is Paul a Biblical Name?
Yes, Paul is one of the most significant names in the Bible. The Apostle Paul (originally Saul of Tarsus) wrote a large portion of the New Testament (the Epistles). His story of transformation and redemption makes the name deeply spiritual for many Christian families.
Does the Name Paul Mean Small Physically?
No, the meaning “small” or “little” derived from the Latin Paulus is generally interpreted as a reference to humility or being the “younger” one in a family, rather than physical height. In a Christian context, it is viewed as a virtue, making oneself small so that faith can be large.
What Is the Female Version of Paul?
The most common feminine variations of Paul are Paula, Pauline, and Paulina. The French diminutive Paulette was also popular in the mid-20th century. These names share the same meaning of “small” or “humble.”
