"little one"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Paul
Pronunciation: [ p-AWL ]
Does Paul flow with your last name?
The littlest name that carries the biggest legacy
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American
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Simple
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The Story of Paul
Paul comes from the Latin 'Paulus,' a Roman family name meaning small or humble. The Apostle Paul (born Saul of Tarsus) chose this name — or was identified by it — and his epistles form the theological backbone of the New Testament, making 'Paul' one of the most theologically loaded names in Western civilization. Despite meaning small, the name carries enormous weight: Paul McCartney, Paul Newman, Pope Paul — the Pauls of history have been anything but small. As a girl's name, Paul joins a tradition of simple, one-syllable names used with quiet confidence across genders.
Paul has been a steady classic for boys throughout the twentieth century, particularly popular in mid-century America. As a girl's name, it occupies rare and distinctive territory, following in the footsteps of names like James, Elliott, and Aubrey that have crossed gender lines. The female form Paula has been common, but using Paul itself for a girl is a bolder, more distinctive statement.
Saint Paul is arguably the most influential figure in Christian theology outside of Jesus himself — his letters to the Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians shaped Christian doctrine for millennia. In art and music, Paul is an equally resonant name: Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cézanne. The name carries a sense of quiet intellectual and creative authority that transcends its meaning of 'small.'
Historical Record
Paul first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,244 babies have been named Paul in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Paul is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #39,029 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Paul was born Saul and changed his name — 'Paul' may have been chosen for its humility, meaning small or little
- Paul McCartney is the most commercially successful music artist of all time
- Pope Paul VI was the first pope to visit all six inhabited continents
Paul in Other Languages
Latin
Paulus/Paula
French
Paul/Paula
German
Paul
Italian
Paolo/Paola
Spanish
Pablo/Paula
Popularity Over Time
#39,029
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #39,029
- Total SSA Count
- 6
- Cultural Origins
- English French American Latin
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Polly
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Paul
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Paul is also used as a boy name, ranked #264.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paul
What does the name Paul mean?
"little one" (from Latin). Paul comes from the Latin 'Paulus,' a Roman family name meaning small or humble. The Apostle Paul (born Saul of Tarsus) chose this name — or was identified by it — and his epistles form the theological backbone of the New Testament, making 'Paul' one of the most theologically loaded names in Western civilization. Despite meaning small, the name carries enormous weight: Paul McCartney, Paul Newman, Pope Paul — the Pauls of history have been anything but small. As a girl's name, Paul joins a tradition of simple, one-syllable names used with quiet confidence across genders.
What is the origin of the name Paul?
Paul has Latin, English, French, and American origins. In Latin, it means "little one".
Is Paul a boy or girl name?
Paul is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #39029. As a boy name, it is ranked #264. Paul is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Paul?
Paul is pronounced p-AWL.
How popular is the name Paul?
Paul is currently ranked #39029 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Paul?
Common nicknames for Paul include Polly.
What are good middle names for Paul?
Popular middle name pairings include Paul Marie, Paul Wren, Paul Elise, Paul River, and Paul Jane.
What are good sibling names for Paul?
Names that pair well with Paul as siblings include John, Mark, Luke, Ruth, and James.
How many syllables does Paul have?
Paul has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Paul a common or rare name?
Paul is an uncommon name, ranked #39029 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Paul?
About the Name Paul
Paul is a girl name with English, French, American, and Latin origins . The name means "little one" in Latin .
Is Paul a boy or girl name? Paul is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #39,029 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #264. Paul is more commonly used as a boy name.
Paul is currently ranked #39,029 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Paul has 1 syllable and is pronounced p-AWL, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Paul include Polly. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Paul include Paula, Paulina, Paulette, Pauline . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis