34 Variations of Paul

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. 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.
  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. 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.
  5. 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.

  6. Paulo
    • Origin:

      Portuguese, Swedish, and Hawaiian variation of Paul
    • Description:

      Paulo suffers in comparison to the richer and more authentic-sounding Paolo.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Pål
    • Description:

      Pål is a Scandinavian male name, the Norwegian and Danish equivalent of the name Paul. Derived from the Latin name 'Paulus,' meaning 'small' or 'humble,' it has ancient roots dating back to Biblical times. In Norway, Pål has maintained steady popularity through generations, though it has seen some decline in recent decades as international names have gained favor. The name is pronounced somewhat like 'pole' in English. Notable bearers include Norwegian ski jumper Pål Gunnar Mikkelsplass and musician Pål Waaktaar-Savoy from the band a-ha. Pål typically reflects Nordic heritage and carries connotations of strength and simplicity in Scandinavian culture.

  11. 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.
  12. Paavo
    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Paul
    • Description:

      This international variation deserves its own listing for a winning combination of distinctiveness and simplicity.
  13. 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.

  14. Pali
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "cliff; handsome"
  15. 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.
  16. Paulino
    • Origin:

      Spanish; Portuguese, from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "small"
    • Description:

      An endearing Spanish and Portuguese form of Paul.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.

  19. Pawelek
    • Description:

      Pawelek is a diminutive Polish male name derived from Paweł (the Polish form of Paul). This affectionate variant adds the suffix '-ek,' which creates a more endearing, familiar form in Polish naming traditions. The root name Paul comes from Latin 'Paulus,' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' Pawelek is less common than the standard Paweł, giving it a distinctive quality. It's primarily used in Poland and Polish communities abroad. The diminutive form suggests warmth and closeness, often used for children or in familiar settings. Like many traditional Polish diminutives, it carries cultural significance while maintaining the historical connection to its biblical origins.

  20. Pavlo
    • Origin:

      Ukrainian variation of Paul, 'small"
    • Description:

      Pavlo has more energy than the Russian Pavel, perhaps because it sounds like the Spanish Pablo.

The Nameberry App Is Live

Nameberry app screenshot
Find your perfect baby name together in our iPhone app, now available on the App Store.
  • 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.
Download on the App Store
Nameberry app screenshot