Paul

The word “Paul” means a common male given name, historically associated with Paul the Apostle in the New Testament. In plain terms, a very common male first name.

“Paul” is pronounced pawl (/pɔl/ in IPA).

Here is “Paul” used in a sentence: “They named the baby Paul after his grandfather.”

Depending on how it is used, “Paul” can be a name and a noun.

The word “Paul” comes from Latin. From Latin Paulus, related to paulus meaning "small." A doublet of the names Pablo and Paolo.

“Paul” is a very common word in modern English.

“Paul” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a common male given name, historically associated with Paul the Apostle in the New Testament.

Paul comes from the Latin name Paulus, meaning 'small' or 'humble'. It has been used across the Christian world for centuries, largely because of Paul the Apostle. The meaning gives the name a modest, unassuming quality, which has helped keep it popular as a steady, classic choice.

Paul the Apostle was an early Christian leader whose letters make up a large part of the New Testament. Originally named Saul, he became one of the faith's most influential missionaries and writers. His prominence is the main reason the name Paul spread so widely across Christian cultures.

Paul is already short, so it is often used in full. When a nickname is used, 'Paulie' or 'Pauly' are the most common, giving a friendly, familiar feel. In other languages the name appears as Paulo, Pablo, Paolo, or Pavel, each the local form of the same original name.

Paul has been a consistently popular male name across English-speaking and wider Christian countries for generations, especially through the twentieth century. While newer names now compete for attention, Paul remains familiar and widely recognised, valued for being simple, classic, and easy to spell and say.