Pablo

♂ Boy

Pronounced PAH-bloh /ˈpɑː.bloʊ/High

Meaning: Spanish form of Paul, from Latin Paulus meaning small or humble; associated with the Apostle Paul, born Saul of TarsusHigh

In 30 seconds: Pablo is the spirited Spanish form of Paul meaning 'small' — a name that carries both apostolic humility and towering artistic genius through Picasso, Neruda, and Casals.

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Origin HighSpanish, Latin

MeaningSpanish form of Paul, from Latin Paulus meaning small or humble; associated with the Apostle Paul, born Saul of Tarsus

U.S. rank (2025)#430 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births743 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2006

Total births (all-time)≈ 50,360

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Pablo is the Spanish form of Latin Paulus meaning small or humble. Saint Paul the Apostle, born Saul of Tarsus, adopted the name Paul after his conversion — and his influence made it one of the most widely used names in Christendom.

Pablo has been popular across Latin America and Spain for centuries. In the United States it is widely used in Hispanic communities and has acquired an artistic cachet through its famous bearers.

Did you know? Pablo Picasso's full name at baptism was Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso — reportedly the longest name of any famous person in history.

Overall data confidence 97%

Behind the Name — Pablo — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

PaulPaoloPaulo

Nicknames

PabPablito

Famous Bearers

★Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)
Spanish artist and co-founder of Cubism; one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
★Pablo Neruda (1904–1973)
Chilean poet and Nobel Prize laureate; one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century.

If you like Pablo…

Carlos— shares the warm Spanish two-syllable classic appeal and the same Latin American mainstream use

Andres— fellow Spanish form of a classic biblical name with the same cultural warmth

Miguel— shares the Spanish heritage and the same understated classic feel

Rodrigo— another bold Spanish classic with the same cultural depth and Latin American use

Frequently Asked

What does the name Pablo mean?

Pablo means small or humble from Latin Paulus; it is the Spanish form of Paul.

How do you pronounce Pablo?

It is said PAH-bloh /ˈpɑː.bloʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Pablo popular in the United States?

Pablo is widely used in U.S. Hispanic communities and has a strong presence in Latin American culture.

What famous people are named Pablo?

The most famous bearers are Pablo Picasso (artist) and Pablo Neruda (poet), both Nobel-level figures.