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Paul Boy

Popularity: #249 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationPAWL / /pɔːl/

Latin; Greek

Meaning

Latin: small; humble; Greek: small

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Paul has its roots in the Latin name "Paulus," which means "small" or "humble." This name was derived from the Roman family name "Paulus," which was used in ancient Rome. The transition of the name into English occurred through the Old French form "Paule," which was adopted after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The Latin influence was significant in the development of early Christian names, as Latin was the language of the Roman Empire and the early Church, facilitating the spread of Christian texts and names throughout Europe.

Historically, the name Paul is most notably associated with Saint Paul the Apostle, a key figure in early Christianity who lived in the 1st century CE. His epistles, which form a substantial part of the New Testament, were instrumental in the spread of Christian doctrine. The name gained prominence in Christian communities, particularly during the Middle Ages, as the veneration of saints became widespread. The name was further popularized through various translations of the Bible, including the King James Version in the early 17th century, which helped solidify its usage in English-speaking regions.

Culturally, the name Paul has been associated with humility and service, reflecting its etymological meaning. It has been borne by numerous saints, scholars, and notable historical figures throughout the centuries, contributing to its enduring legacy. The diminutive form "Pau" has also been used in various cultures, although the name Paul itself remains the most recognized form. Overall, the name Paul carries significant historical and cultural weight, symbolizing both religious devotion and personal humility.

Trend Summary

The name Paul has seen a decline in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

PavelPaigePaxtonPaulaPiperParkerPalmer

Variants

  • Paolo
  • Pablo
  • Pavlo

International Variants

  • Paolo (Italian)
  • Pablo (Spanish)
  • Pavlo (Ukrainian)
  • Pál (Hungarian)

Famous people named Paul

Paul McCartney is a musician best known for being a member of The Beatles, Wings, and his solo career.

Paul Rudd is an actor best known for Ant-Man, Clueless, and This Is 40.

Paul Simon is a musician best known for being half of Simon & Garfunkel, as well as for his solo work including Graceland.

Paul Bettany is an actor best known for A Beautiful Mind, Master and Commander, and his role as Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Paul Giamatti is an actor best known for Sideways, Cinderella Man, and Barney's Version.

Paul Verhoeven is a director best known for RoboCop, Basic Instinct, and Starship Troopers.

Paul Thomas Anderson is a director best known for There Will Be Blood, Boogie Nights, and Magnolia.

Paul Dano is an actor best known for Little Miss Sunshine, Prisoners, and There Will Be Blood.

Paul Feig is a director and producer best known for Bridesmaids, Spy, and Ghostbusters (2016).

Paul Anka is a singer and songwriter best known for Diana, Put Your Head on My Shoulder, and My Way.

Paul Weller is a musician best known for being the frontman of The Jam and The Style Council, as well as his solo career.

Paul George is a professional basketball player best known for playing with the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers.

Paul Pierce is a former professional basketball player best known for his time with the Boston Celtics and winning an NBA Championship.

Paul O'Grady is a television presenter and comedian best known for his work on The Paul O'Grady Show and For the Love of Dogs.

Paul Wesley is an actor best known for his role as Stefan Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries.

Paul Sorvino is an actor best known for Goodfellas, Romeo + Juliet, and Law & Order.

Paul McGann is an actor best known for his role as the Eighth Doctor in Doctor Who and for Withnail and I.

Paul Weller is a musician best known for his work with The Jam and The Style Council.

Paul Haggis is a filmmaker best known for writing and directing Crash and Million Dollar Baby.

Paul Klee is an artist best known for his contributions to modern art and his unique painting style.

Paul Auster is an author best known for The New York Trilogy, Moon Palace, and The Music of Chance.

Paul Theroux is an author best known for The Great Railway Bazaar and The Mosquito Coast.

Paul Simonon is a musician best known for being the bassist of The Clash.

Paul R. Ehrlich is a biologist best known for his work in population studies and environmental science.

Paul Allen was a businessman and philanthropist best known for co-founding Microsoft and his investments in technology and sports.

Paul G. Allen was a philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft, known for his contributions to technology and science.

Fictional characters named Paul

Paul Atreides is a fictional character from the science fiction novel Dune. He is the heir of House Atreides and becomes a central figure in the struggle for control of the desert planet Arrakis.

Paul Blart is a fictional character from the film Paul Blart: Mall Cop. He is a bumbling mall security guard who aspires to be a hero while protecting his mall from criminals.

Sibling Suggestions

PeterMarkMatthewJamesJohnLuke

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Paul was first seen in the United States in 1880. Paul has ranked as high as #29 nationally, which occurred in 1957, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Ohio, and Massachusetts. In the past 5 years the name Paul has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Paul (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 137
11%
CA 121
10%
NY 84
7%
FL 79
6%
PA 70
6%
IL 46
4%
OH 46
4%
MI 45
4%
NC 40
3%
GA 39
3%
TN 37
3%
WA 35
3%
AZ 33
3%
MO 30
2%
VA 30
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880301
1881291
1882397
1883358
1884422
1885428
1886466
1887449
1888529
1889555
1890607
1891564
1892747
1893743
1894824
1895933
1896964
1897923
1898991
1899885
19001,288
1901924
19021,067
19031,081
19041,194
19051,262
19061,308
19071,358
19081,478
19091,676
19102,005
19112,393
19124,785
19135,966
19147,733
191510,328
191610,790
191711,156
191811,755
191911,305
192012,570
192113,169
192212,922
192313,362
192413,339
192514,174
192613,653
192713,605
192813,159
192912,431
193012,954
193112,255
193212,067
193311,854
193412,196
193512,563
193612,306
193712,880
193813,360
193913,336
194014,097
194115,167
194216,493
194317,249
194416,659
194516,994
194621,063
194722,793
194821,252
194921,589
195021,743
195122,852
195224,293
195325,509
195426,221
195526,698
195626,897
195727,012
195826,257
195925,709
196025,633
196125,641
196223,806
196326,667
196426,877
196524,921
196623,578
196722,824
196821,869
196920,687
197020,197
197117,468
197214,561
197312,903
197412,312
197512,016
197611,783
197711,799
197811,733
197911,632
198011,821
198111,778
198211,310
198310,826
198410,461
198510,315
19869,716
19879,706
19889,435
19899,029
19908,579
19917,682
19927,003
19936,482
19945,797
19955,413
19964,883
19974,752
19984,321
19994,020
20003,795
20013,523
20023,263
20033,256
20043,188
20053,145
20063,036
20072,771
20082,554
20092,428
20102,129
20112,077
20121,957
20132,038
20142,007
20152,032
20161,940
20171,697
20181,634
20191,512
20201,401
20211,384
20221,330
20231,359
20241,320