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34 Variations of Paul

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Apr 22 2021
Paul is one of those classic baby names that's neither in style nor thoroughly out. Paul's many international versions all start with P.
  1. Paul

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Pasha

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Pavel

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Paolo

    • Origin:

      Italian, variation of Paul

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      Paolo is an irresistibly lush Italian name for boys, worlds more romantic than its spare English equivalent.
  4. Pablo

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Paul

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Pavel

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Paul

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      Pavel may be widespread in the former Soviet Union, but it has a somewhat impoverished image here.
  6. Paulo

    • Origin:

      Portuguese, Swedish, and Hawaiian variation of Paul

    • Description:

      Paulo suffers in comparison to the richer and more authentic-sounding Paolo.
  7. 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.

  8. 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.
  9. Pau

    • Origin:

      Catalan variant of Paul

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Pol

    • Origin:

      Breton and Catalan form of Paul

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  14. 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.
  15. Paavo

    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Paul

    • Description:

      This international variation deserves its own listing for a winning combination of distinctiveness and simplicity.
  16. Pashenka

    • Description:

      Russian diminutive of Paul.
  17. Pali

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "cliff; handsome"
  18. 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.

  19. Paavali

    • Description:

      Paavali is a Finnish masculine name that serves as the Finnish equivalent of Paul. Derived from the Latin name Paulus, meaning 'small' or 'humble,' it carries the same apostolic connections as its international variants. In Finland, Paavali has deep historical roots but remains less common than its shortened form, Paavo. The name appears in the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, adding cultural significance. Traditionally given as a baptismal name, Paavali reflects Finland's Christian heritage while maintaining its distinctive Finnish linguistic character. Though not among Finland's most popular names today, it represents a strong traditional choice that connects Finnish identity with broader European naming traditions. The name is typically celebrated on January 25th, Paul's conversion day in the Finnish calendar.

  20. Pavle

    • Origin:

      Serbian, Croatian, Georgian

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      A distinct variant of the classic Paul, used commonly in many South Slavic countries as well as Georgia.