Origin, Meaning, And History Of Paul
Paul is a classic boy’s name of Latin origin that has existed since Roman times. The name means ‘small’ or ‘humble’ and derives from the Roman family names Paulus or Paullus. It is a common given name in many countries with a Christian heritage. Paul and its variation can be a given name or surname.
The name is a popular choice among Christians because of its association with the disciple Saint Paul whose Greek name was Παῦλος, Paûlos. Another meaning of the name Paul is ‘modest.’ Saint Paul was a key figure in relaying the teachings of Jesus and preaching the gospel. Therefore, the male name Paul is the perfect choice for a baby boy raised to celebrate his faith with respect and modesty.
With Saint Paul, the name became common usage among early Christians. It became increasingly popular in England in the 17th century. The name continues to be heavily used in Germany and France but has witnessed a decline in usage in English-speaking countries.
The feminine versions of this name are Paula, Pauline, Paulina, and Paulette. This classy name is pronounced differently in different languages. In English and French-speaking countries, the name is pronounced ‘Pawl,’ and in German and Dutch-speaking countries, the name is pronounced ‘Powl.’
Paul Bunyan is the legendary giant lumberjack and American and Canadian folklore hero. Paul Atreides is one of the main characters in the Dune Universe created by Frank Herbert in his 1965 bookDune.
The famous city and capital of the American state of Minnesota, Saint Paul, also share its name with Paul. The settlement, currently a town, was purchased by a French priest in 1841 and was named Saint Paul after Paul the Apostle, but the locals continued to refer to it by its local name, ‘Pig’s Eye.’ It was only in 1849 that the name was officially changed to Saint Paul, while common folks held onto the nickname.
How To Pronounce Paul?
Famous People With The Name Paul
- Paul Leonard NewmanAmerican actor and film director who was a recipient of the Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globes
- Sir James Paul McCartney CH MBE英语singer and musician popular for the Beatles
- Paul Frederic SimonAmerican musician, singer, and songwriter
- Paul Thomas AndersonAmerican filmmaker whose films have garnered critical appreciation
- Paul William Walker IVAmerican actor known for his role Brian O’Connor in the Fast and Furious franchise
- Paul Stephen RuddAmerican actor known for his role as Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Paul On The Popularity Chart
保罗已经值列表的名称ed over centuries and continues to garner a fan following. Take a look at the following graphs to have a better understanding.
Popularity Over Time
The name Paul was in extensive use since its inception in the 1980s. However, the name has seen a continuous decline in popularity over the years.
Source:Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
The name’s ranking was at its best in the early 1980s and plummeted to its lowest rank of 20,719 in the year 2007.
Source:Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Paul
Do you like the name Paul? What about these names for your baby boy that sound similar to this historically rich name?
Popular Sibling Names For Paul
Other Popular Names Beginning With P
Names With Similar Meaning As Paul
Here are a few names that are similar in meaning to the name Paul.
Infographic: Know The Name’s Personality As Per Numerology
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How To Communicate The Name In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
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In Sign Language
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In Braille Alphabet
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In Morse Code
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Name Numerology For Paul
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Paul?
The name Paul means ‘small’ or ‘humble’
2. What is the origin of the name Paul?
Paul has a Latin origin.
3. How to pronounce the name Paul?
Paul is pronounced as paul.
4. How rare is the name Paul?
Paul is by no means a rare name. The name secured its place in the popularity charts since it made its debut on the SSA records. In 2022, there were 1326 births of baby boys with the name Paul, accounting for 0.071 percent of all male births that year. It was the 262nd most popular name during the year (1)
5. What are some middle name options that go well with Paul?
Choosing middle names for the given name Paul from biblical references can be an excellent option. Consider middle name choices such asThomas, meaning ‘twin’,Jacob, meaning ‘to follow,’诺亚, meaning ‘rest,’Elijah, meaning ‘Jehovah is my God,’ andJohn, meaning ‘graced by God.’ These names have gained popularity due to their appearances in the Bible and can complement the name Paul.
6. Is Paul a traditional or modern name?
The name Paul has deep ties to Christianity. In the Bible, the apostle Paul is a central figure known for his missionary work and influential writings. He played a crucial role in spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly to non-Jewish communities. However, the name Paul stood the test of time and is popular even today. So, it can be considered a traditional name with a modern appeal.
7. Are there any famous historical figures named Paul?
Paul Revere, an American patriot and silversmith, played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. He is known for his “midnight ride” in 1775 to warn American colonists of approaching British forces. Also, Paul Cézanne was a renowned French artist and Post-Impressionist painter.
References:
- Popularity of name Paul.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
