name
Very common
Paul
pawl
Paul (name) means a common male given name, historically associated with Paul the Apostle in the New Testament. Example: “They named the baby Paul after his grandfather.”
name
1
A common male given name, historically associated with Paul the Apostle in the New Testament.
"They named the baby Paul after his grandfather."
noun
1
An old Italian silver coin, also called a paolo.
2
A small, simple tent, in older or dialectal usage.
How to use Paul
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA very common male first name.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Paul.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- pauls
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They named the baby _____ after his grandfather.
Etymology
From Latin Paulus, related to paulus meaning "small." A doublet of the names Pablo and Paolo.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for Paul
See all rhymes for Paul →Frequently asked questions
What does “Paul” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “Paul”?
“Paul” is pronounced pawl (/pɔl/ in IPA).
How do you use “Paul” in a sentence?
Here is “Paul” used in a sentence: “They named the baby Paul after his grandfather.”
What part of speech is “Paul”?
Depending on how it is used, “Paul” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Paul” come from?
The word “Paul” comes from Latin. From Latin Paulus, related to paulus meaning "small." A doublet of the names Pablo and Paolo.
Is “Paul” a common word?
“Paul” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Paul” have?
“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.
What does the name Paul mean?
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.
Who was Paul the Apostle?
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.
What are common nicknames for Paul?
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.
Is Paul a popular 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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include Paul:
