PAUL

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Paul

Paul is a surname of English and French origin, derived from the given name Paul. It is a common surname in England, with variations such as Pawl and Paull also existing. The name Paul is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble".

The Paul surname can be traced back to medieval times in England, with early records showing instances of the name being used as a personal name before becoming established as a hereditary surname. The name was often given in honour of Saint Paul, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, whose name has been popular throughout Christian history.

Famous individuals bearing the surname Paul include the British musician Paul McCartney, known for being a member of the iconic band The Beatles; and the French artist Paul Cézanne, considered one of the most influential painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants of the surname Paul can also be found across different cultures and countries, reflecting the widespread influence of the name. In Scotland, the surname is sometimes spelled as Pawl, while in France it may appear as Paule.

In contemporary times, the name Paul continues to be a widely used surname in the United Kingdom and beyond, reflecting its enduring popularity and diverse cultural significance.

There are approximately 19,906 people named Paul in the UK. That makes it the 430th most common surname in Britain. Around 306 in a million people in Britain are named Paul.

Region of origin: Asia

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
Christopher
David
James
John
Michael
Richard
Robert
Stephen
William

Female

Catherine
Elizabeth
Jean
Jennifer
Julie
Linda
Margaret
Mary
Nicola
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.