What does Poul mean and where does it come from?
Poul is a Scandinavian variant of the name Paul. It is prevalent in Denmark and Norway, with roots stretching back to Latin. The name Paul is borne by several notable historical and religious figures, including Saint Paul, an apostle in the New Testament. Poul is used widely in modern Scandinavia, t
Cultural significance
Poul has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Danish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of poul is a variant of paul, meaning 'small' or 'humble'..
Peak popularity
Reached #3720 in 1970 — currently #1404 in the US.
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Related Reading
Danish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Poul?
Poul works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Poul Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Poul Rose
Floral · soft ending
Poul Claire
French influence · crisp
Poul Jane
Literary · strong
Poul Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Poul right now?
Holding steady — currently #1404 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1404 | 796 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1409 | 776 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1414 | 746 | ▲ up 7730 · +14820% births |
| 1995 | #9144 | 5 | ▼ down 5424 · -37% births |
| 1970 | #3720 | 8 | — |
The story of Poul
Poul entered American naming records in 1944 and has been in use for over 80 years. With 39 total births recorded, Poul remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3720 in 1970 to #1404 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Poul in 1970:
Poul by decade
Poul peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s ★ | 19 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
💎Poul has only 39 total recorded births since 1944 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Poul?
What names sound and feel like Poul?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Poul also consider these
How is Poul written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Poul?
Common questions about the name Poul
What does the name Poul mean?
Poul means "Poul is a variant of Paul, meaning 'small' or 'humble'." — a name rooted in Danish 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 Poul?
Poul is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Poul?
Poul originates from Danish tradition. Danish 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 Poul?
Poul is a one-syllable name pronounced P UW1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Poul sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Poul flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Poul ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.