Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Paul
BoyLatin· “small, humble”
- Meaning
- small, humble
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- PAWL
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #262
- US babies 2025
- 1,316
- Best rank
- #12 (1916)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Paul
Paul is a Latin name that means “small, humble”.
Paul comes from the Latin Paulus, a Roman family name meaning "small" or "humble." The apostle Paul, originally called Saul, adopted it and became one of the most influential figures in early Christianity; his letters make up much of the New Testament. The name spread widely through the Christian world and was borne by many popes and saints. More recent bearers include Paul Revere and Paul McCartney. Paul is simple, strong and timeless, with forms in nearly every European language, such as Pablo, Paolo and Pavel. It works equally well as a first or middle name.
Popularity over time
Paul has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #12 in 1916, and the most babies received it in 1957, when 27,012 were named Paul. In 2025, 1,316 babies were named Paul, and it ranked #262 nationally. That is 35% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #14 in 1920, #18 in 1950, #35 in 1980, #100 in 2000, #177 in 2010, and #262 in 2025. Of the 1,398,293 US boys named Paul since records began, 18% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 242,503 babies. Since 2010, 27,155 more have been named Paul.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kenneth, Joseph, Douglas, Randy, and Terry.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Paul ranked highest in New Hampshire, Alaska, and Connecticut.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | #119 | 13 |
| Alaska | #136 | 7 |
| Connecticut | #183 | 19 |
| Idaho | #192 | 14 |
| West Virginia | #192 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Paul is usually pronounced PAWL, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with P and ends in “-ul”.
Middle names for Paul
A few middle names that flow with Paul: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Paul
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Lists that include Paul
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Paul mean?
Paul is a Latin name that means “small, humble”.
What is the origin of the name Paul?
Paul has Latin roots. Paul comes from the Latin Paulus, a Roman family name meaning "small" or "humble." The apostle Paul, originally called Saul, adopted it and became one of the most influential figures in early Christianity; his letters make up much of the New Testament.
Is Paul a popular name?
Yes. Paul ranked #262 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Paul a boy or girl name?
Paul is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Paul?
Paul is usually pronounced PAWL. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings