Paul

♂ Boy

Pronounced PAWL /pɔːl/High

Meaning: Small, humbleHigh

In 30 seconds: One of the great names of Western civilisation, Paul means 'small and humble' in Latin yet belongs to a towering Apostle. It is the ultimate proof that the most powerful names need not be long or complex.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighLatin

MeaningSmall, humble

U.S. rank (2025)#262 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births1,316 boys (0.07% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1957

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,398,259

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Paul derives from the Roman family name Paulus, from the Latin paulus (small, humble). The name is most famously borne by Saint Paul the Apostle (c. 5–67 CE), originally Saul of Tarsus, whose letters (Epistles) form the core of the New Testament and whose missionary journeys spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

Paul has been one of the most popular names in the Christian world since the early church. It has never left the global top ranks and has been borne by numerous popes, kings, and cultural figures. In the 20th century it was powerfully boosted by Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

Did you know? Saint Paul was born Saul of Tarsus — he adopted the Roman name Paulus when he began his missionary work in the Roman Empire, a single name change that altered the course of world history.

Overall data confidence 97%

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

Variations

PaoloPabloPauPavel

Nicknames

Paulie

Famous Bearers

★Saint Paul (Saul of Tarsus) (c. 5–67 CE)
Apostle of Jesus Christ whose letters form much of the New Testament and whose missions spread Christianity across the Roman Empire.
★Paul McCartney (1942–present)
English musician and composer, member of the Beatles, one of the best-selling musical artists of all time.

If you like Paul…

Mark— fellow single-syllable New Testament name with the same ancient apostolic gravity

John— the foundational single-syllable Christian name sharing the same eternal appeal

Peter— Apostle name with the same direct two-syllable authority and global spread

James— New Testament Apostle name with the same brief, enduring masculine strength

Frequently Asked

What does the name Paul mean?

Paul derives from the Latin Paulus meaning 'small' or 'humble.'

How do you pronounce Paul?

It is said PAWL /pɔːl/ — one syllable.

Is Paul a boy or girl name?

Paul is used almost exclusively as a boys' name. The female form is Paula.

How popular is Paul?

Paul has been a global top-100 name for centuries and remains in the U.S. top 200 for boys.