Meaning of Paul
From the Roman family name Paulus, which meant "small" or "humble" in Latin.
About the Name Paul
With the punchy clarity of a single syllable, Paul is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, with roots in the ancient texts of the Old Testament and the rich tradition of biblical names that have crossed religious and cultural boundaries to become truly international. The name means "From the Roman family name Paulus". It is a rare and considered boy name, chosen by parents who want something genuinely uncommon while remaining rooted in cultural heritage. "From the Roman family name Paulus" in Hebrew carries a weight that the English translation can only approximate. These ancient names were carried by prophets, matriarchs, and kings - they have been in continuous use for over 3,000 years, a longevity that few naming traditions can match.
The practical question of how Paul flows with the family surname is worth considering. The name is universally familiar across communities worldwide, easy to spell and pronounce, and carries natural authority in both formal and informal settings. Names beginning with 'P' tend to have a decisive, memorable quality - easy to announce and easy to remember, internationally and beyond. If distinctiveness matters to you, Paul delivers: your child is unlikely to share their name with classmates, while still carrying a name with real meaning.
Sound & Flow
Paul is a 1-syllable name. Test it with your family surname to hear how it flows. For example: Tan Paul, Lim Paul, or Lee Paul.
Cultural Context
Crosses cultural boundaries easily and is used across Chinese, Eurasian, and mixed-heritage families. Works well with both English and Chinese surnames.
Name Style & Tags
Popularity Through History
See all-time rankings →Rank in California top 25 (1 = most popular). Bars represent years the name charted - Hover for rank.
Name Facts & Trivia
Famous People Named Paul
Prominent figures who share this name - Drawn from global culture, sports, and public life.
Want to discover names with similar fame? Try our name generator.