Paul Boy
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
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
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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 137 | |
CA | 121 | |
NY | 84 | |
FL | 79 | |
PA | 70 | |
IL | 46 | |
OH | 46 | |
MI | 45 | |
NC | 40 | |
GA | 39 | |
TN | 37 | |
WA | 35 | |
AZ | 33 | |
MO | 30 | |
VA | 30 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 301 |
1881 | 291 |
1882 | 397 |
1883 | 358 |
1884 | 422 |
1885 | 428 |
1886 | 466 |
1887 | 449 |
1888 | 529 |
1889 | 555 |
1890 | 607 |
1891 | 564 |
1892 | 747 |
1893 | 743 |
1894 | 824 |
1895 | 933 |
1896 | 964 |
1897 | 923 |
1898 | 991 |
1899 | 885 |
1900 | 1,288 |
1901 | 924 |
1902 | 1,067 |
1903 | 1,081 |
1904 | 1,194 |
1905 | 1,262 |
1906 | 1,308 |
1907 | 1,358 |
1908 | 1,478 |
1909 | 1,676 |
1910 | 2,005 |
1911 | 2,393 |
1912 | 4,785 |
1913 | 5,966 |
1914 | 7,733 |
1915 | 10,328 |
1916 | 10,790 |
1917 | 11,156 |
1918 | 11,755 |
1919 | 11,305 |
1920 | 12,570 |
1921 | 13,169 |
1922 | 12,922 |
1923 | 13,362 |
1924 | 13,339 |
1925 | 14,174 |
1926 | 13,653 |
1927 | 13,605 |
1928 | 13,159 |
1929 | 12,431 |
1930 | 12,954 |
1931 | 12,255 |
1932 | 12,067 |
1933 | 11,854 |
1934 | 12,196 |
1935 | 12,563 |
1936 | 12,306 |
1937 | 12,880 |
1938 | 13,360 |
1939 | 13,336 |
1940 | 14,097 |
1941 | 15,167 |
1942 | 16,493 |
1943 | 17,249 |
1944 | 16,659 |
1945 | 16,994 |
1946 | 21,063 |
1947 | 22,793 |
1948 | 21,252 |
1949 | 21,589 |
1950 | 21,743 |
1951 | 22,852 |
1952 | 24,293 |
1953 | 25,509 |
1954 | 26,221 |
1955 | 26,698 |
1956 | 26,897 |
1957 | 27,012 |
1958 | 26,257 |
1959 | 25,709 |
1960 | 25,633 |
1961 | 25,641 |
1962 | 23,806 |
1963 | 26,667 |
1964 | 26,877 |
1965 | 24,921 |
1966 | 23,578 |
1967 | 22,824 |
1968 | 21,869 |
1969 | 20,687 |
1970 | 20,197 |
1971 | 17,468 |
1972 | 14,561 |
1973 | 12,903 |
1974 | 12,312 |
1975 | 12,016 |
1976 | 11,783 |
1977 | 11,799 |
1978 | 11,733 |
1979 | 11,632 |
1980 | 11,821 |
1981 | 11,778 |
1982 | 11,310 |
1983 | 10,826 |
1984 | 10,461 |
1985 | 10,315 |
1986 | 9,716 |
1987 | 9,706 |
1988 | 9,435 |
1989 | 9,029 |
1990 | 8,579 |
1991 | 7,682 |
1992 | 7,003 |
1993 | 6,482 |
1994 | 5,797 |
1995 | 5,413 |
1996 | 4,883 |
1997 | 4,752 |
1998 | 4,321 |
1999 | 4,020 |
2000 | 3,795 |
2001 | 3,523 |
2002 | 3,263 |
2003 | 3,256 |
2004 | 3,188 |
2005 | 3,145 |
2006 | 3,036 |
2007 | 2,771 |
2008 | 2,554 |
2009 | 2,428 |
2010 | 2,129 |
2011 | 2,077 |
2012 | 1,957 |
2013 | 2,038 |
2014 | 2,007 |
2015 | 2,032 |
2016 | 1,940 |
2017 | 1,697 |
2018 | 1,634 |
2019 | 1,512 |
2020 | 1,401 |
2021 | 1,384 |
2022 | 1,330 |
2023 | 1,359 |
2024 | 1,320 |