34 Variations of Paul

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.

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.

Paolo is an irresistibly lush Italian name for boys, worlds more romantic than its spare English equivalent.

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.

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.

Pavel may be widespread in the former Soviet Union, but it has a somewhat impoverished image here.

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

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.

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

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

An endearing Spanish and Portuguese form of Paul.

Russian diminutive of Paul.

Pavlos is a distinctive Greek variation of Paul and is notably borne by Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece - the current head of the former royal family.

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

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.

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.

Pava is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Finnish, it derives from the name Paul, meaning 'small' or 'humble.' In some Slavic cultures, it can be related to 'pavao' meaning peacock, symbolizing beauty and pride. In Indian contexts, it may connect to Sanskrit roots meaning 'purifier' or 'air.' Pava remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name's brevity and melodic quality with its two balanced syllables make it appealing for parents seeking something unique yet straightforward. While not widely used in mainstream culture, it has maintained a consistent, albeit modest, presence across several regions worldwide.

Pavlousek is a masculine surname of Czech origin that has occasionally transitioned into use as a first name. The name likely derives from Pavel (the Czech equivalent of Paul), with the suffix '-ousek' serving as a diminutive marker, suggesting 'little Paul' or 'son of Paul.' As a family name, Pavlousek reflects the rich naming traditions of Central European culture, particularly from the Czech Republic and surrounding regions. When used as a first name, Pavlousek maintains a strong connection to Czech heritage and offers a distinctive identity. The name carries an authentic cultural resonance while being relatively rare outside its region of origin, making it a unique choice that honors Slavic naming traditions.

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.