Paul

Origin and meaning of Paul

Paul comes from the Latin Paulus, 'small, humble' — its spiritual grandeur springing from the apostle Paul, tireless spreader of Christianity. Despite the modest meaning, it is a name of enormous historical and cultural prestige. It is very widespread in the English-speaking countries, Germany and France. In Italian it is Paolo, in Spanish Pablo, in Russian Pavel. Borne by exceptional artists and scientists, it evokes humility, depth of thought and universal calling.

Variants around the world

How Paul is said in other languages.

Famous people

• San Paolo Apostolo— saint
• Paul Cézanne— painter
• Paul Dirac— physicist