Declining since 2006, #1,992 for boys today.
Popularity of Paolo since 1910
Babies named Paolo per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 10 |
| 1920s | 22 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 15 |
| 1960s | 218 |
| 1970s | 345 |
| 1980s | 453 |
| 1990s | 642 |
| 2000s | 1,009 |
| 2010s | 633 |
| 2020s | 392 |
Meaning & origin
Paolo, the Italian form of Paul, has a steady if modest presence in the United States. In the most recent year (2025), it ranked 1992nd, given to approximately 1 in every 22,475 boys. Its peak came in 2007, reflecting a broader interest in Italian names around that time. Since 2006, however, its usage has been gradually falling. The name is most common in states with large Italian-American populations, including Florida, California, and New York. Paolo carries a straightforward etymology from the Latin 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble', a meaning that has resonated across centuries and cultures through its association with Saint Paul. It remains a classic choice that honors Italian heritage without being overly common in the United States.
Paolo is the Italian form of the Latin name Paulus, meaning 'small' or 'humble'. It has been in use since the medieval period, borne by numerous saints and figures in Italian history, including the Apostle Paul. The name became especially popular in Italy and continues to be a common name there.
Where Paolo is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Paolo” around the world
Where Paolo lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
200
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Paolino, Pao, Lino
Variants: Paulo
Sibling names for Paolo
Names that share Paolo's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Chiara, Giulia, Sofia, Francesca, Alessandra, Antonella, Carla, Fiorella, Madonna, Betina, Donata, Dorina, Franca, Merita, Patrizia, Bennetta, Franci, Grazia, Lorella, Mariangela, Mariateresa, Monia, Piccola, Pina, Guida, Reneta
Brothers: Marco, Luca, Matteo, Giovanni, Antonio, Aldo, Claudio, Dino, Fausto, Giorgio, Guido, Marino, Mario, Mauro, Sandro, Loreto, Nello, Amerigo, Cinque, Pio, Ugo, Greco
