Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Paul has its origins in Latin, meaning small or humble. It evolved from 'Paulus' in ancient times to its modern form, retaining its significance. The name is linked to the biblical Apostle Paul, who contributed greatly to early Christianity. Paul is often perceived as a name embodying strength and humility, with notable figures across various fields sharing this name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/pɔːl/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Paul is derived from the Latin name 'Paulus', meaning 'small' or 'humble'.
Meaning
small, humble
Language Evolution
Paulus (Latin), Paulus (Old French), Paule (Middle English), Paul (Modern English)
Biblical Background
Paul is a significant figure in the New Testament, known as the Apostle Paul, who played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Christian world following the establishment of Christianity in the first century and has remained common across various cultures.
Variants & Derivatives
Paolo (Italian), Pablo (Spanish), Pál (Hungarian), Paweł (Polish)
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Paul is viewed as a classic and timeless choice, often associated with strength and humility.
Famous People
Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Paul Rudd, Saint Paul (Apostle)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 27,075 peak births in 1957
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Massachusetts
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (6 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 6 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 15th of 7545 | 196,358 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 15th of 6773 | 248,020 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 17th of 7552 | 468,512 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 24th of 10718 | 262,104 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 49th of 16616 | 138,415 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 125th of 24088 | 50,215 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 233rd of 23106 | 19,654 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 904th of 9107 | 1,133 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 927th of 9204 | 1,137 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1268th of 12526 | 1,266 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1282nd of 19264 | 1,398 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2459th of 27321 | 752 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 15297th of 35406 | 74 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
0.92% 13th/1416 |
0.94% 13th/1379 |
0.68% 16th/2366 |
1.66% 19th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
0.91% 14th/1546 |
0.90% 14th/1556 |
0.81% 19th/2353 |
1.29% 20th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
0.90% 20th/2227 |
0.45% 11th/2430 |
0.67% 19th/2853 |
0.61% 17th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
0.78% 23rd/2937 |
0.63% 22nd/3483 |
0.71% 25th/3518 |
0.52% 21st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
1.36% 50th/3685 |
0.89% 40th/4475 |
1.02% 53rd/5194 |
0.85% 54th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.95% 135th/4582 |
1.80% 93rd/5164 |
1.89% 138th/7313 |
2.06% 154th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
5.55% 221st/3984 |
4.01% 180th/4487 |
3.61% 246th/6822 |
3.94% 247th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
54.45% 771st/1416 |
50.83% 701st/1379 |
52.24% 1236th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
53.56% 828th/1546 |
44.47% 692nd/1556 |
61.28% 1442nd/2353 |
91.53% 1416th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
56.58% 1260th/2227 |
40.41% 982nd/2430 |
58.39% 1666th/2853 |
57.73% 1602nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
44.77% 1315th/2937 |
37.55% 1308th/3483 |
47.33% 1665th/3518 |
31.21% 1262nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
60.95% 2246th/3685 |
47.02% 2104th/4475 |
52.52% 2728th/5194 |
37.52% 2370th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
94.65% 6922nd/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Massachusetts across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 15th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 15th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 17th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 24th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 49th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 125th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 233rd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 904th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 927th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1268th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1282nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2459th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15297th out of 35406 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.