What does the name Paul mean?

The name Paul has its origin in the Latin name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." The name became popular after Saint Paul, whose original Hebrew name was Saul.

During the Middle Ages, people used the name Latin name Paulus or Paullus to distinguish the minor of two family members bearing the same name. It became famous after Saint Paul the Apostle, a leader of the Christian church in its beginnings.

Famous bearers of the name Paul include musician Paul McCartney, artists Paul Gauguin and Paul Cézanne, actor and director Paul Newman, patriot and silversmith Paul Revere and musician Paul Simon. Furthermore, several Catholic popes have chosen the name Paul.