Declining since 1985, #262 for boys today.
Popularity of Paul since 1880
Babies named Paul per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Paul's real moment was 1964.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 4,196 |
| 1890s | 8,181 |
| 1900s | 12,636 |
| 1910s | 78,216 |
| 1920s | 132,384 |
| 1930s | 125,774 |
| 1940s | 183,364 |
| 1950s | 253,202 |
| 1960s | 242,503 |
| 1970s | 136,390 |
| 1980s | 104,397 |
| 1990s | 58,931 |
| 2000s | 30,964 |
| 2010s | 19,030 |
| 2020s | 8,125 |
Meaning & origin
Paul is a classic Latin name meaning "small" or "humble". In 2025, it ranks 262nd among boys' names in the United States, given to approximately 1 in 1,298 baby boys. The name reached its peak popularity in 1964, when it was a top 20 choice. Since 1985, Paul has been on a gradual decline in usage, falling steadily from its mid-century heights. Despite this, it remains a widely recognized and well-used name, currently most popular in Alaska, New Hampshire, and the District of Columbia. The name's first recorded appearance in U.S. Social Security data was in 1880, and it has charted every year since, reflecting its enduring presence across generations.
Paul originates from the Roman family name Paulus, derived from the Latin adjective paulus meaning "small" or "humble". It was borne by the apostle Paul, originally named Saul, who was a key figure in early Christianity; his missionary work and epistles helped spread the name throughout the Christian world. The name has been used across Europe since the Middle Ages, often in honor of the saint, and has remained steadily popular ever since. In English, Paul became common after the Protestant Reformation and has been a perennial favorite.
Where Paul is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Paul” around the world
Where Paul lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#23
in 2024
Ireland
15
babies in 2025
New Zealand
17
babies in 2025
Quebec
#60
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Paul
Names that share Paul's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mary, Elizabeth, Anne, Catherine, Margaret, Joy, Lynn, Paula, Pauline, Suzanne, Christa, Clair, Claudie, Helene, Ilene, Janine, Jeanine, Joelle, Justina, Noelle, Terese, Angele, Jene, Laure, Leonia, Paulene, Penni, Raeann, Terresa, Annett, Glori, Jeannene, Josee, Leane, Loise, Lysa, Maree, Noell, Renie, Rosary, Rosette, Taresa, Ange, Benay, Bonne, Mare, Marise, Marthe, Paticia, Tersa, Pallie, Paullette, Petula, Agape, Charlot, Danamarie, Danett, Erleen, Julann, Lousie, Marchia, Marsia, Nary, Noele, Paulla, Peni, Susane, Tamrah, Therisa
Brothers: Mark, James, John, Peter, Michael, Andre, David, Glenn, Jeffrey, Marc, Ray, Alain, Allan, Dion, Eduard, Fran, Crist, Georges, Marck, Neale, Paschal, Rohn, Roch, Partick, Pastor, Philipe
Names like Paul
Names whose popularity has moved with Paul's over the last 50 years.
