What does Paolo mean and where does it come from?
Paolo is the Italian form of Paul, deriving from the Latin 'Paulus'. The name has been used since the Roman times, embodying meanings of 'small' and 'humble'. Paolo has a rich historical background and has been quite popular in Italy and other parts of Europe. Figures like Paolo Veronese, a renowned
Cultural significance
Paolo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italy-speaking communities, where it reflects values of small.
Peak popularity
Reached #1214 in 1983 — currently #2022 in the US.
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Related Reading
Italy-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Paolo?
Paolo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Paolo Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Paolo Rose
Floral · soft ending
Paolo Mae
Sweet · timeless
Paolo Claire
French influence · crisp
Paolo Jane
Literary · strong
Paolo Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Paolo right now?
Rising fast — up 104 spots — currently #2022 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2022 | 75 | ▲ up 104 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #2126 | 70 | ▲ up 85 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #2211 | 64 | ▲ up 309 · +28% births |
| 2020 | #2520 | 50 | ▼ down 221 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #2299 | 57 | ▼ down 430 · -26% births |
| 2010 | #1869 | 77 | ▼ down 427 · -25% births |
| 2005 | #1442 | 102 | ▲ up 12 · +20% births |
| 2000 | #1454 | 85 | ▲ up 41 · +33% births |
| 1995 | #1495 | 64 | ▼ down 4 · +10% births |
| 1990 | #1491 | 58 | ▼ down 272 · -5% births |
| 1985 | #1219 | 61 | ▲ up 517 · +85% births |
| 1980 | #1736 | 33 | ▲ up 218 · +38% births |
| 1975 | #1954 | 24 | ▼ down 685 · -44% births |
| 1970 | #1269 | 43 | ▲ up 376 · +87% births |
| 1965 | #1645 | 23 | — |
The story of Paolo
Paolo entered American naming records in 1910 and has been in use for over 114 years. With 3,385 total births recorded, Paolo remains relatively uncommon.
Names that peaked alongside Paolo in 1983:
Paolo by decade
Paolo peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 10 | |
| 1920s | 22 | |
| 1950s | 15 | |
| 1960s | 212 | |
| 1970s | 344 | |
| 1980s | 451 | |
| 1990s | 641 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,009 | |
| 2010s | 631 | |
| 2020s | 50 | |
💎With 3,385 total births, Paolo is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Paolo?
What names sound and feel like Paolo?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Paolo also consider these
How is Paolo written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Paolo?
Common questions about the name Paolo
What does the name Paolo mean?
Paolo means "small" — a name rooted in Italy tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Paolo?
Paolo is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Paolo have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Paolo?
Paolo originates from Italy tradition. Italy names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Paolo?
Paolo is a two-syllable name pronounced P AW1 L OW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Paolo trending right now?
Paolo is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.