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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. 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. 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. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Pavlo

    • Origin:

      Ukrainian variation of Paul, 'small"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      German and Polish variation of Paul

    • Description:

      Paulin's -in suffix and two-syllable rhythm make this a fashionable alternative to the original, though it looks like an abbreviation of Pauline.
  10. Pashenka

    • Description:

      Russian diminutive of Paul.
  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. Paulo

    • Origin:

      Portuguese, Swedish, and Hawaiian variation of Paul

    • Description:

      Paulo suffers in comparison to the richer and more authentic-sounding Paolo.
  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. Paavo

    • Origin:

      Finnish variation of Paul

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "cliff; handsome"
  17. 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.
  18. Paulino

    • Origin:

      Spanish; Portuguese, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      An endearing Spanish and Portuguese form of Paul.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.