Paul
Meaning: Small or humble
Origin: Latin
Gender: Boy
Rank in Canada: #14
Total births: 62,832
History: From the Latin Paulus meaning small. Paul has deep roots in Canadian naming, popular in both English and French communities. Paul Anka from Ottawa was a teen idol, and Paul Henderson scored the most famous goal in Canadian hockey history.
Explore more at Canadian Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Canada’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2024) | #270 |
| Babies named Paul in 2024 | 51 |
| Total recorded in Canada | 62,832 |
| Peak year | 1964 (1,898 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #7 |
| Years in records | 1917–2024 (108 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↑ 16 spots |
Frequently asked about Paul
What does the name Paul mean?
Paul means “Small or humble” from Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Paul?
Paul has Latin origin. The traditional meaning is “Small or humble”.
How popular is Paul in Canada?
Paul ranked #270 in Canada in 2024 — given to 51 babies that year.
When was Paul most popular?
Paul peaked in 1964 with 1,898 babies registered that year in Canada.
Is Paul a boy or girl name?
Paul is predominantly a boys' name in Canada — over 90% of Pauls in registered births are male.
Is the name Paul rising or falling in popularity?
Paul has risen 16 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Canada — from #286 in 2019 to #270 in 2024.
How long has Paul been recorded in Canada?
Paul appears in birth records in Canada across 108 years — from 1917 through 2024.