What does Paul mean and where does it come from?
Paul is traditionally a male name and has also been adopted for females in modern times, particularly as a nod to the unisex trend. The name originates from the Latin 'Paulus', meaning small or humble. It has been used since ancient times, with many saints, popes, and notable figures bearing the nam
Cultural significance
Paul has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #262 in 2024 — currently #262 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Paul?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Paul?
Paul works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Paul Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Paul John
One syllable · timeless choice
Paul Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Paul Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Paul Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Paul Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Paul right now?
Holding steady — currently #262 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #262 | 1,316 | stable · -1% births |
| 2024 | #262 | 1,330 | ▼ down 6 · -2% births |
| 2023 | #256 | 1,359 | ▲ up 6 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #262 | 1,330 | ▼ down 5 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #257 | 1,384 | ▲ up 16220 · +27580% births |
| 2005 | #16477 | 5 | ▼ down 6599 · -44% births |
| 2000 | #9878 | 9 | ▼ down 2823 · -25% births |
| 1995 | #7055 | 12 | ▼ down 3612 · -61% births |
| 1990 | #3443 | 31 | ▼ down 1837 · -58% births |
| 1985 | #1606 | 74 | ▲ up 22 · +4% births |
| 1980 | #1628 | 71 | ▼ down 262 · -9% births |
| 1975 | #1366 | 78 | ▼ down 154 · -15% births |
| 1970 | #1212 | 92 | ▼ down 110 · +1% births |
| 1965 | #1102 | 91 | ▲ up 112 · +12% births |
| 1960 | #1214 | 81 | — |
The story of Paul
Paul has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. Over 1397K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #956 in 1885 to #256 in 2023. Paul is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Paul in 2024:
Paul by decade
Paul peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 4,214 | |
| 1890s | 8,238 | |
| 1900s | 12,730 | |
| 1910s | 78,627 | |
| 1920s | 133,243 | |
| 1930s | 126,388 | |
| 1940s | 183,868 | |
| 1950s ★ | 253,727 | |
| 1960s | 243,447 | |
| 1970s | 137,289 | |
| 1980s | 105,096 | |
| 1990s | 59,061 | |
| 2000s | 30,953 | |
| 2010s | 18,966 | |
| 2020s | 4,031 | |
What are good nicknames for Paul?
Famous people named Paul
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Paul (Roman senator or statesman)
Paul held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
P(
Paul (Renaissance scholar)
Paul used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
P(
Paul (historical Roman figure)
Paul carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
P(
Paul (Roman senator or statesman)
Paul held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Paul?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Paul also consider these
How is Paul written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Paul?
Common questions about the name Paul
What does the name Paul mean?
Paul means "Latin" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Paul?
Paul is currently ranked #256 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Paul?
Paul originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Paul?
Paul is a one-syllable name pronounced PAWL. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Paul sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Paul flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Paul ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.