boy name · French origin
Paul
/ POL /
Meaning
Paul means Small, humble (French).
Gender
Boy
Origin
French
Pronunciation
POL
Popularity
#262 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Paul in the US, 1880–2025
Paul first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1957, when 27,012 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,316.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
What does Paul mean?
Paul comes from the Latin paulus, “small” or “humble.”
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Paul mean?
Paul means Small, humble. Paul comes from the Latin paulus, “small” or “humble.”
What is the origin of the name Paul?
Paul is of French origin.
How do you pronounce Paul?
Paul is pronounced “POL.”
Is Paul a boy or a girl name?
Paul is most commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Paul?
In 2025, Paul ranked #262 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Paul most popular?
Paul was most popular in 1957, when about 27,012 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.