What does Paulo mean and where does it come from?
Paulo is the Portuguese form of Paul, derived from the Latin name Paulus, which means 'small' or 'humble'. It has been a very popular name in Portuguese-speaking countries. The name was borne by several notable figures, including Saint Paul the Apostle, one of the most important figures in Christian
Cultural significance
Paulo has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Portugal-speaking communities, where it reflects values of small, humble.
Peak popularity
Reached #935 in 1973 — currently #1587 in the US.
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Related Reading
Portugal-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Paulo?
Paulo works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Paulo Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Paulo Rose
Floral · soft ending
Paulo Mae
Sweet · timeless
Paulo Claire
French influence · crisp
Paulo Jane
Literary · strong
Paulo Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Paulo right now?
Rising fast — up 192 spots — currently #1587 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1587 | 110 | ▲ up 192 · +18% births |
| 2022 | #1779 | 93 | ▲ up 53 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #1832 | 85 | ▼ down 232 · -15% births |
| 2020 | #1600 | 100 | ▲ up 487 · +49% births |
| 2015 | #2087 | 67 | ▼ down 147 · -7% births |
| 2010 | #1940 | 72 | ▼ down 660 · -40% births |
| 2005 | #1280 | 121 | ▲ up 401 · +78% births |
| 2000 | #1681 | 68 | ▼ down 372 · -16% births |
| 1995 | #1309 | 81 | ▲ up 184 · +40% births |
| 1990 | #1493 | 58 | ▼ down 273 · -5% births |
| 1985 | #1220 | 61 | ▼ down 201 · -23% births |
| 1980 | #1019 | 79 | ▼ down 16 · +18% births |
| 1975 | #1003 | 67 | ▲ up 161 · +31% births |
| 1970 | #1164 | 51 | ▲ up 670 · +168% births |
| 1965 | #1834 | 19 | — |
The story of Paulo
Paulo entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 4,521 total births recorded, Paulo remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4011 in 1915 to #1587 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Paulo in 1973:
Paulo by decade
Paulo peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 35 | |
| 1920s | 146 | |
| 1930s | 140 | |
| 1940s | 139 | |
| 1950s | 121 | |
| 1960s | 224 | |
| 1970s | 686 | |
| 1980s | 629 | |
| 1990s | 649 | |
| 2000s ★ | 919 | |
| 2010s | 733 | |
| 2020s | 100 | |
💎With 4,521 total births, Paulo is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Paulo?
What names sound and feel like Paulo?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Paulo also consider these
How is Paulo written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Paulo?
Common questions about the name Paulo
What does the name Paulo mean?
Paulo means "small, humble" — a name rooted in Portugal 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 Paulo?
Paulo is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Paulo have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Paulo?
Paulo originates from Portugal tradition. Portugal 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 Paulo?
Paulo is a two-syllable name pronounced P AO1 L OW2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Paulo trending right now?
Paulo is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.