Arthur vs Paul

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Arthur

Boy #105 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"bear, bear-like strength"

Origin: Brythonic Celtic

Cultural Roots

English French Welsh British

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#105
Total SSA Count
3,318
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Art, Artie

Playground Safety Score

12 High Risk

{:type=>:nickname, :severity=>:medium, :message=>"'Arthur' can be twisted to 'fart'"}

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Paul

Boy #264 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"small, humble"

Origin: Latin Paulus

Cultural Roots

Latin Christian English French German Spanish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#264
Total SSA Count
1,320
Syllables
1
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Paul →

Popularity Comparison

Arthur Rank #105
Paul Rank #264

Arthur is more popular, ranked #105 vs #264 for Paul.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Arthur ___

  • Arthur James
  • Arthur William
  • Arthur Henry
  • Arthur Frederick
  • Arthur George
  • Arthur Edmund

Paul ___

  • Paul James
  • Paul Michael
  • Paul David
  • Paul Anthony
  • Paul Andrew
  • Paul Edward

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Arthur

Theodore Edmund Cecily Rosalind Frederick

If you choose Paul

Peter John Mary Elizabeth Mark

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arthur or Paul more popular?

Arthur is more popular, ranked #105 compared to Paul at #264 in the United States.

What do Arthur and Paul mean?

Arthur means "bear, bear-like strength" (Brythonic Celtic origin). Paul means "small, humble" (Latin Paulus origin).

Are Arthur and Paul boy or girl names?

Arthur is primarily a boy name. Paul is primarily a boy name.

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