Boris vs Pavel

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Boris

Boy #3,374 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"battle glory"

Origin: Proto-Slavic

Cultural Roots

Russian Bulgarian Eastern European British

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,374
Total SSA Count
35
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Borya

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Boris →

Pavel

Boy #3,300 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"small, humble"

Origin: Latin

Cultural Roots

Russian Czech Slovak Bulgarian Eastern European

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#3,300
Total SSA Count
36
Syllables
2
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Pasha, Pavlo, Pav

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Pavel →

Popularity Comparison

Boris Rank #3,374
Pavel Rank #3,300

Pavel is more popular, ranked #3300 vs #3374 for Boris.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Boris ___

  • Boris Alexander
  • Boris Nikolai
  • Boris Ivan
  • Boris Dmitri
  • Boris Alexei
  • Boris Victor

Pavel ___

  • Pavel Nikolai
  • Pavel Alexei
  • Pavel Dmitri
  • Pavel Alexander
  • Pavel Ivan
  • Pavel Sergei

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Boris

Natasha Olga Sasha Dmitri Katya

If you choose Pavel

Nikolai Alexei Irina Natasha Dmitri

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 Boris or Pavel more popular?

Pavel is more popular, ranked #3300 compared to Boris at #3374 in the United States.

What do Boris and Pavel mean?

Boris means "battle glory" (Proto-Slavic origin). Pavel means "small, humble" (Latin origin).

Are Boris and Pavel boy or girl names?

Boris is primarily a boy name. Pavel is primarily a boy name.

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