Paul

From Latin, traditionally explained as “small” or “humble.”

Paul is a short, highly established name with a long written history and broad recognition. Because it’s so common across countries and eras, it tends to read as straightforward and steady rather than trendy, and it works well in multilingual contexts even when local pronunciation differs. Etymologically, Paul comes from the Latin name Paulus. It is traditionally glossed with senses like “small” or “humble,” and the name’s spread is often discussed in connection with Latin usage during the Christian era and the many later European forms that developed from it. In practice, Paul is one of those names whose cultural familiarity matters as much as the root meaning. In English, PAWL is typical (one syllable). In German and French you may hear a more open vowel or a shorter, crisper sound. A practical tip is to note that the spelling is extremely stable, but the vowel quality can shift by language, so the best cue is simply hearing it once in the local accent.

Etymology: From Latin Paulus; widely used through Christian-era Latin and later European languages.