"small, humble"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Pavel
Pronunciation: [ p-AV-uhl ]
Does Pavel flow with your last name?
A Slavic classic carrying apostolic heritage
Russian
Czech
Slovak
Bulgarian
Eastern European
Classic
Sophisticated
Vintage
Strong
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Nicknames
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3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"little one"
Origin: Latin via Slavic
Language: Russian
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The Story of Pavel
Pavel is the Slavic form of Paul, derived from the Latin 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' The Roman family name Paulus became one of Christianity's most influential names through Saint Paul the Apostle — Saul of Tarsus — whose conversion on the road to Damascus and subsequent epistles shaped Christian theology. Paulus traveled through Greek as Pavlos, and into Slavic languages as Pavel, becoming a staple name across Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and beyond.
Pavel has been a consistently popular name across Slavic countries for centuries, carried by saints, tsars, and cultural heroes. It has gained modest international interest as global mobility brings Eastern European names to new audiences.
Saint Pavel (Paul) is venerated in Orthodox Christianity alongside Saint Peter, and their shared feast day (June 29) is a major celebration. Several Russian tsars and nobles bore the name, giving Pavel aristocratic associations.
Historical Record
Pavel first appeared in US Social Security records in 1971.
Over 1,507 babies have been named Pavel in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Pavel is past its peak , currently ranked #3,300 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Pavel Datsyuk, nicknamed 'The Magic Man,' is considered one of the greatest two-way hockey players in NHL history
- Tsar Pavel I of Russia (Paul I) reigned from 1796-1801 and was the son of Catherine the Great
Pavel in Other Languages
Czech
Pavel
Greek
Παύλος (Pavlos)
Latin
Paulus
Russian
Павел
Bulgarian
Павел
Popularity Over Time
#3,300
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2008
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Pavel
P
Pavel Datsyuk
Athlete
1978
Russian NHL legend, two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings, considered one of the most skilled players...
Russian NHL legend, two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings, considered one of the most skilled players ever
P
Pavel Chekov Fictional
Other
The young Russian navigator of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: The Original Series
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,300
- Total SSA Count
- 36
- Cultural Origins
- Russian Czech Slovak Bulgarian Eastern European
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pasha
Pavlo
Pav
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, sophisticated style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Russian heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Pavel
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pavel
What does the name Pavel mean?
"small, humble" (from Latin). "little one" (from Latin via Slavic). Pavel is the Slavic form of Paul, derived from the Latin 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' The Roman family name Paulus became one of Christianity's most influential names through Saint Paul the Apostle — Saul of Tarsus — whose conversion on the road to Damascus and subsequent epistles shaped Christian theology. Paulus traveled through Greek as Pavlos, and into Slavic languages as Pavel, becoming a staple name across Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and beyond.
What is the origin of the name Pavel?
Pavel has Latin, Latin via Slavic, Russian, Czech, Slovak, Bulgarian, and Eastern European origins. In Latin, it means "small, humble". In Latin via Slavic, it means "little one".
Is Pavel a boy or girl name?
Pavel is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Pavel?
Pavel is pronounced p-AV-uhl.
How popular is the name Pavel?
Pavel is currently ranked #3300 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Pavel?
Common nicknames for Pavel include Pasha, Pavlo, and Pav.
What are good middle names for Pavel?
Popular middle name pairings include Pavel Nikolai, Pavel Alexei, Pavel Dmitri, Pavel Alexander, Pavel Ivan, and Pavel Sergei.
What are good sibling names for Pavel?
Names that pair well with Pavel as siblings include Nikolai, Alexei, Irina, Natasha, Dmitri, and Elena.
How many syllables does Pavel have?
Pavel has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Pavel a common or rare name?
Pavel is an uncommon name, ranked #3300 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Pavel
Pavel is a boy name with Russian, Czech, Slovak, Bulgarian, and Eastern European origins . The name means "small, humble" in Latin .
Pavel is currently ranked #3,300 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Pavel has 2 syllables and is pronounced p-AV-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Pavel include Pasha, Pavlo, and Pav. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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