Paul vs Theodore

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

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

Paul Rank #264
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 vs #264 for Paul.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Paul ___

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

Theodore ___

  • Theodore James
  • Theodore William
  • Theodore Alexander
  • Theodore John
  • Theodore Henry
  • Theodore Arthur

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Paul

Peter John Mary Elizabeth Mark

If you choose Theodore

Olivia Charlotte Amelia Eleanor Oliver

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 Paul or Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Paul at #264 in the United States.

What do Paul and Theodore mean?

Paul means "small, humble" (Latin Paulus origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Paul and Theodore boy or girl names?

Paul is primarily a boy name. Theodore is primarily a boy name.

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