Paul

“Latin”

Latin origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#256US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

↑Rising

1397.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 188400.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Paul

PAWL

/ˈpɔl/ · stress on PAWL · 1 syllable

“Latin”

Latin origin · Unisex name

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 #638 in 1928 — currently #256 in the US.

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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 Grace

How popular is Paul right now?

Rising — up 6 spots — currently #256 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#256 · Top 0.19%

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	▲ up 41 · +25% births
1955	#1255	65	▼ down 12 · +18% births
1950	#1243	55	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Paul

Best Year2023Rank #256

Peak Count1,384

Average Rank#2379

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202325 years

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 1928:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Paul by decade

Paul peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s 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	1,385

What are good nicknames for Paul?

CROATIAN

Pavo

DANISH

Palle

ENGLISH

Paulie

ESPERANTO

Paĉjo

Famous people named Paul

Paul (Roman senator or statesman)

Paul held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.

Paul (Renaissance scholar)

Paul used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.

Paul (historical Roman figure)

Paul carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.

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

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What names sound and feel like Paul?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Paul also consider these

Saul

Israel · asked for, prayed

Basque Country · a name of

How is Paul written in other languages?

Gender variants of Paul

Paula ANCIENT ROMAN Paula CATALAN Paula CROATIAN Pavica CROATIAN Pavla CZECH Paula DANISH Paula DUTCH Paula ENGLISH Pauletta ENGLISH Paula FINNISH Paule FRENCH Paulette FRENCH Paula GERMAN Paula HUNGARIAN Pála ICELANDIC Paola ITALIAN Paula NORWEGIAN Paula POLISH Paula PORTUGUESE Paulinha PORTUGUESE Paula ROMANIAN Pàula SARDINIAN Pavla SLOVENE Paola SPANISH Paula SPANISH Paula SWEDISH Paulina ANCIENT ROMAN Paulinus ANCIENT ROMAN Polina BULGARIAN Polya BULGARIAN Pavlina CZECH Pauline DANISH Lien DUTCH Paulien DUTCH Lina ENGLISH Pauleen ENGLISH Paulene ENGLISH Paulina ENGLISH Pauline ENGLISH Pauliina FINNISH Pauline FRENCH Pauline GERMAN Lina ITALIAN Paolina ITALIAN Paolino ITALIAN Paulina LITHUANIAN Pavlina MACEDONIAN Pauline NORWEGIAN Paulina POLISH Paulina PORTUGUESE Paulino PORTUGUESE Polina RUSSIAN Paulína SLOVAK Pavlina SLOVENE Paulina SPANISH Paulino SPANISH Paulina SWEDISH Pauline SWEDISH Polina UKRAINIAN

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 P AO1 L. 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.