Brian vs Paul

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Brian

Boy #301 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"noble, high"

Origin: Celtic

Cultural Roots

Irish English American Scottish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#301
Total SSA Count
1,111
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Bri, B, Bry

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Brian →

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

Brian Rank #301
Paul Rank #264

Paul is more popular, ranked #264 vs #301 for Brian.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Brian ___

  • Brian Brian James
  • Brian Brian Michael
  • Brian Brian Patrick
  • Brian Brian Thomas
  • Brian Brian Joseph

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 Brian

Kevin Patrick Sean Colleen Megan

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 Brian or Paul more popular?

Paul is more popular, ranked #264 compared to Brian at #301 in the United States.

What do Brian and Paul mean?

Brian means "noble, high" (Celtic origin). Paul means "small, humble" (Latin Paulus origin).

Are Brian and Paul boy or girl names?

Brian is primarily a boy name. Paul is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

Paul vs Brian Brian vs Jason Brian vs Dawson Brian vs Jeremy Brian vs Edward
← Full profile: Brian ← Full profile: Paul Browse all baby names