34 Variations of Paul
- Paul
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"small"Description:
Paul is an ancient name for boys -- popular in Roman and medieval times -- that's not very fashionable now, which can work in its favor, scarcity balancing simplicity.
- Pasha
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of PavelMeaning:
"small, humble"Description:
Similar in sound to Sasha, Pasha is a Russian diminutive of the name Pavel, itself a form of Paul. Also used as a title for a high ranking officer in the (now historical) Ottoman military, and as the common name of a type of butterfly, it is a name well-suited for an Easter baby, due to its similarity to the word Pascha.
- Pablo
Origin:
Spanish variation of PaulMeaning:
"small"Description:
Pablo, the commonly used Spanish version of Paul, has the added bonus of some fantastic artistic bearers: painter Picasso, cellist Casals, and poet Neruda. Pablo has been consistently in the US charts since records began, and has been within the Top 500 since the mid 60s. However, Pablo has never cracked the Top 200, making it familiar but not overused or tired.
- Paolo
Origin:
Italian, variation of PaulMeaning:
"small"Description:
Paolo is an irresistibly lush Italian name for boys, worlds more romantic than its spare English equivalent.
- Pal
Description:
Pal is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hungarian, it's equivalent to Paul, derived from Latin 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' In South Asian cultures, particularly India, Pal means 'protector' or 'caretaker.' The name also functions as a nickname for Paul or similar names in many Western countries. Short and straightforward, Pal is instantly recognizable and easy to pronounce across languages. While not currently ranking among popular baby names in most Western countries, it maintains steady usage in Hungary and parts of South Asia. The word's friendly associations in English (as in 'friend' or 'buddy') gives the name a warm, approachable quality. Its multicultural nature makes it appealing for families seeking a simple name with international versatility.
- Pavel
Origin:
Russian variation of PaulMeaning:
"small"Description:
Pavel may be widespread in the former Soviet Union, but it has a somewhat impoverished image here.
- Pau
Origin:
Catalan variant of PaulMeaning:
"small; peace"Description:
A very common name in Catalonia, in the northeast of Spain, in no small part because it translates as "peace" in the Catalan tongue. Alec and HIlaria Baldwin used it as one of the middle names for their son Eduardo.
- Pól
Description:
Pól is a masculine name that represents the Faroese, Icelandic, and Irish Gaelic form of Paul. The original name Paul derives from Latin 'Paulus,' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' Pól maintains the simplicity of the original while featuring the distinctive accent mark that changes its pronunciation slightly in these cultures. In Irish tradition, the name has been used since early Christian times. While uncommon outside its native regions, Pól offers a cultural connection to Celtic and Nordic heritage in a compact, strong form. The accent mark gives this classic name a distinctive quality that sets it apart from the more common Paul while honoring linguistic traditions of its origin cultures.
- Pavlo
Origin:
Ukrainian variation of Paul, 'small"Description:
Pavlo has more energy than the Russian Pavel, perhaps because it sounds like the Spanish Pablo.
- Pava
Description:
Pava is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Finnish, it derives from the name Paul, meaning 'small' or 'humble.' In some Slavic cultures, it can be related to 'pavao' meaning peacock, symbolizing beauty and pride. In Indian contexts, it may connect to Sanskrit roots meaning 'purifier' or 'air.' Pava remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name's brevity and melodic quality with its two balanced syllables make it appealing for parents seeking something unique yet straightforward. While not widely used in mainstream culture, it has maintained a consistent, albeit modest, presence across several regions worldwide.
- Paulin
Origin:
German and Polish variation of PaulDescription:
Paulin's -in suffix and two-syllable rhythm make this a fashionable alternative to the original, though it looks like an abbreviation of Pauline.
- Pawel
Description:
Pawel is the Polish variant of Paul, a masculine name with ancient roots. Derived from the Latin name 'Paulus,' meaning 'small' or 'humble,' it carries significant historical and religious importance due to its association with Saint Paul the Apostle. Widely used in Poland and Polish communities worldwide, Pawel maintains a strong cultural identity while being recognized internationally. The name is pronounced 'PAH-vel' in Polish, giving it a distinctive sound compared to other Paul variants. While common in Poland, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, offering a unique option that honors Polish heritage. Pawel combines traditional roots with a distinctive sound, appealing to parents seeking a name with both cultural depth and accessibility.
- Påvel
Description:
Påvel is a Scandinavian variant of the name Paul, primarily used in Sweden and other Nordic countries. The distinctive 'å' character is pronounced similar to the 'o' in 'or.' Like its root name Paul, Påvel derives from the Latin 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' The name carries significant religious importance as Saint Paul was a crucial figure in early Christianity. In Sweden, Påvel represents a traditional form that maintains cultural heritage while connecting to the widely recognized Paul. While not among the most common Swedish names today, Påvel offers a distinctive Nordic character that celebrates Scandinavian linguistic traditions. The name combines historical depth with a distinctive regional identity through its special character.
- Pavlusha
Description:
Pavlusha is a warm, affectionate Russian diminutive of Pavel, which is the Russian equivalent of Paul. The name carries deep Slavic roots and history, with the suffix "-usha" adding a sense of endearment and familiarity in Russian naming traditions. Paul ultimately derives from the Latin name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." While common in Russia and other Slavic countries as a nickname, Pavlusha is exceedingly rare as a formal given name outside these regions. The name has a melodic quality with its three syllables and distinctive Slavic character. In contemporary Western contexts, Pavlusha might appeal to parents with Russian heritage or those seeking a name with authentic cultural depth and a gentle, affectionate sound that remains distinctly masculine.
- Pál
Description:
Pál is a masculine Hungarian form of Paul, derived from the Latin name Paulus meaning 'small' or 'humble.' Despite its short form, the name carries significant cultural weight in Hungary, where it has been used for centuries. Notable bearers include Hungarian composers, artists, and historical figures. The accent over the 'a' creates a distinctive pronunciation (similar to 'pahl') that distinguishes it from the English Paul. Outside of Hungary and neighboring regions, Pál remains uncommon, giving it an exotic quality while still being relatively easy for non-Hungarian speakers to pronounce. The name combines cultural specificity with biblical heritage, as Paul was a significant apostle in Christian tradition.
- Pál
Description:
Pál is a masculine Hungarian form of Paul, derived from the Latin name Paulus meaning 'small' or 'humble.' Despite its short form, the name carries significant cultural weight in Hungary, where it has been used for centuries. Notable bearers include Hungarian composers, artists, and historical figures. The accent over the 'a' creates a distinctive pronunciation (similar to 'pahl') that distinguishes it from the English Paul. Outside of Hungary and neighboring regions, Pál remains uncommon, giving it an exotic quality while still being relatively easy for non-Hungarian speakers to pronounce. The name combines cultural specificity with biblical heritage, as Paul was a significant apostle in Christian tradition.
- Poul
Description:
Poul is a Scandinavian variant of the name Paul, particularly common in Denmark and Norway. Derived from the Latin name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble," it has a long history dating back to biblical times. The Danish form Poul has maintained steady usage throughout Scandinavia for centuries, though it's less common internationally than other variants like Paul or Pavel. While not frequently found outside Nordic countries, Poul carries an understated elegance and connection to Scandinavian heritage that appeals to parents seeking a name with European roots and a straightforward, masculine sound.
- Pashenka
Description:
Russian diminutive of Paul.
- Pali
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"cliff; handsome"
- Pavle
Origin:
Serbian, Croatian, GeorgianMeaning:
"small"Description:
A distinct variant of the classic Paul, used commonly in many South Slavic countries as well as Georgia.
Introducing the Nameberry App

- Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
- Names you match on are saved to your shared list
- Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
- Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
- Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.

