Meaning, origin, history
Paul is a popular given name of Latin origin that means "small" or "humble." It comes from the Roman family name Paulus, which was derived from the Latin word "paulus" meaning "little" or "short." The name Paul became widely used in Europe during the Middle Ages due to its association with Saint Paul the Apostle, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals named Paul, including several saints and prominent historical figures such as the apostle himself, who was born Saul of Tarsus but became known by his Roman name Paul after converting to Christianity. Today, Paul remains a popular choice for boys' names around the world, with its simple yet timeless meaning making it appealing to parents across different cultures and generations.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Paul since 1880
Total births
5,843
Total since 1880
Peak year
1928
123 births
in 2006
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years