Pavel

Pronunciation: [ p-AV-uhl ]

Boy Name #3,300 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A Slavic classic carrying apostolic heritage

Russian Czech Slovak Bulgarian Eastern European

Classic Sophisticated Vintage Strong

Meaning & Origin

"small, humble"

Origin: Latin

Language: English

"little one"

Origin: Latin via Slavic

Language: Russian

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.

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

Famous People Named Pavel

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

Pavel Chekov Fictional

Other

The young Russian navigator of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: The Original Series

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

Pairs Well With

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

Sibling Names

Nikolai Alexei Irina Natasha Dmitri Elena

Similar Names

Saul Paolo Paulo Fabio Manolo

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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.