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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Paulo
Origin:
Portuguese, Swedish, and Hawaiian variation of PaulDescription:
Paulo suffers in comparison to the richer and more authentic-sounding Paolo.
- 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.
- 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.
- Paavo
Origin:
Finnish variation of PaulDescription:
This international variation deserves its own listing for a winning combination of distinctiveness and simplicity.
- Pusha
Description:
Pusha is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Indian languages where it could relate to Sanskrit elements meaning 'nourishment' or 'flourishing.' Alternatively, it might function as a nickname or diminutive in various cultures. In contemporary usage, the name gained some recognition through its association with American rapper Pusha T. As a given name, Pusha remains quite rare globally, making it a highly distinctive choice. The name has a rhythmic quality with its balanced syllables and soft sounds. Its uncommonness offers uniqueness while its accessible pronunciation makes it practical across various linguistic contexts. The name projects individuality and may appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive option.
- 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.
- Pol
Origin:
Breton and Catalan form of PaulMeaning:
"small"Description:
Pol, pronounced as "pole," though a popular Breton name, would be an unusual form of a simple classic elsewhere. The Breton Saint Pol Aurelian was known as a slayer of dragons and a founder of monasteries.
- Pavlos
Origin:
Greek variation of PaulMeaning:
"small"Description:
Pavlos is a distinctive Greek variation of Paul and is notably borne by Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece - the current head of the former royal family.
- Poll
Description:
Poll is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It could be a variant of Paul, derived from the Latin name Paulus meaning 'small' or 'humble.' In some regions, it may function as a shortened form of Apollonius, which refers to the Greek god Apollo. Additionally, Poll might serve as a nickname for names beginning with 'Pol' such as Polydore or Polycarp. The name is relatively uncommon in modern usage, particularly as a formal given name rather than a nickname. While Poll has historical precedence, it remains rare in contemporary naming trends, giving it a distinctive quality for parents seeking an uncommon name with classical connections.
- 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.
- Paulino
Origin:
Spanish; Portuguese, from LatinMeaning:
"small"Description:
An endearing Spanish and Portuguese form of Paul.
- Pali
Origin:
HawaiianMeaning:
"cliff; handsome"
- Pavilcek
Description:
Pavilcek is a masculine surname-turned-first name with Slavic origins, particularly found in Czech and Slovak communities. The name likely developed as a patronymic or diminutive form, possibly deriving from 'Pavel' (the Slavic version of Paul) with the suffix '-cek' indicating 'son of' or 'little.' Pavilcek remains extremely rare as a first name, representing a distinctive choice that honors Eastern European heritage. Its unusual nature may appeal to parents seeking a truly unique name with authentic cultural roots. The pronunciation (pah-VILL-chek) might present challenges in non-Slavic regions, but its distinctiveness ensures it stands out among more common names.
- Pauel
Description:
Pauel appears to be a variant spelling of Paul, a name with Latin origins meaning "small" or "humble." This unique spelling may reflect Welsh or other Celtic influences, where vowel combinations like "ae" or "ue" appear in traditional names. As a variant form, Pauel maintains the meaning and heritage of Paul while offering a distinctive visual appearance and potentially slightly different pronunciation. The name Paul has biblical significance as one of the most important early Christian apostles, and its variations appear across many languages and cultures. Pauel remains extremely rare, making it an uncommon alternative for parents who appreciate the historical depth and simplicity of Paul but desire something more distinctive. This spelling variant gives the classic name a fresh, somewhat exotic quality while retaining its fundamental character.
- 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.