Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Paul

      Origin

      Latin

      Meaning

      Humble, Small

      Variations

      Paula, Paulo, Paulos
      The name Paul has its origins in Latin, deriving from the word paulus, which means humble or small. This ancient name has a rich history and has been prominent in various cultures throughout the centuries. In ancient Rome, the name Paulus held great significance, belonging to several notable figures. One such figure is the Roman general Lucius Aemilius Paullus Macedonicus, renowned for his military victories and leadership qualities. The name Paul continued to appear in history, notably in the form of the apostle Paul, who played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity.

      In modern-day usage, the name Paul remains popular and widely recognized across the globe. Numerous individuals have borne this name and left their mark in different fields. Paul McCartney, the British musician and former member of the Beatles, is a prominent example. His musical talent and contributions to the industry have solidified his place in history. Additionally, Paul Rudd, the American actor known for his comedic roles, has gained acclaim for his versatility and captivating performances. The name Paul persists as a testament to its enduring appeal, embodying qualities of humility and resilience while maintaining cultural relevance throughout the ages.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Paul.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Paul.
      Paul

      Paul

      This is the most common name for a child of a Paul.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1910 is when there were the most people born with the first name Paul.

      Explore the origins of another name.