Paul
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Small or humble
Origin: Latin
Popularity: Ranked #262 in 2025 with 1,316 babies born.
History: Paul derives from the Latin 'Paulus,' a Roman family name meaning small. Saint Paul the Apostle, originally named Saul of Tarsus, was one of the most influential figures in early Christianity whose letters form a large portion of the New Testament. The name has been borne by numerous popes, kings, and cultural icons throughout history.
Famous people named Paul: Paul McCartney (musician), Paul Newman (actor), Paul Rudd (actor)
Name length: 4 letters
How common is Paul? About 1 in 2,529 babies born in 2025 were named Paul, or roughly 3.6 per day in the United States.
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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?
Paul ranked #262 in 2025 — given to 1,316 babies that year.
When was Paul most popular?
Paul peaked in 1957 with 27,012 babies registered that year.
Is Paul a boy or girl name?
Paul is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Pauls in registered births are male.
Is the name Paul rising or falling in popularity?
Paul has fallen 10 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #252 in 2020 to #262 in 2025.
How long has Paul been recorded?
Paul appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.