Fun Facts About the Name Pavlos
- 132 babies named Pavlos: U.S. records list 132 babies given the name Pavlos from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Pavlos Mean?
Pavlos is the Modern Greek form of the name that appears in English as Paul. It goes back to the Latin family name Paulus, a Roman cognomen derived from the Latin adjective paulus, meaning "small" or "little." The Greek New Testament uses Παῦλος (Paulos) for the Apostle Paul, and Modern Greek writes the same name as Παύλος (Pavlos). The literal meaning is "small"; the familiar Christian sense "humble" is a customary interpretation based on the apostle's life and teaching, not a separate meaning of the Latin word.
Pavlos Name History & Origins
The Latin name Paulus was used as a Roman family name, or cognomen, most famously in the Aemilian family. Greek speakers adopted it as Παῦλος. In the New Testament, Acts 13:9 introduces "Saul, who was also called Paul" (Σαῦλος ὁ καὶ Παῦλος), using the Greek form of his Roman name. Because Paul of Tarsus became a central figure in early Christianity, the name Παῦλος was used by Greek-speaking Christians and appears in early Christian writings, inscriptions, and church calendars.
Over time, the pronunciation of Greek changed. The ancient diphthong αυ in Παῦλος shifted to a v sound before voiced sounds in later Greek, producing the Modern Greek pronunciation Pavlos (roughly "PAHV-lohs"). The spelling Παύλος keeps the same letters, with the accent mark adjusted. Pavlos is therefore not a new name but the Modern Greek reading of the ancient Greek form.
In Greece, Cyprus, and Greek communities abroad, Pavlos is used as a given name. English normally uses the inherited form Paul, which came through Latin and Old French, while Pavlos in English generally appears in reference to Greek bearers or Greek contexts. Historical examples include Pavlos Kountouriotis, a Greek admiral who served as president of Greece, Pavlos Melas, a Greek army officer, and King Paul of Greece, who reigned as Παύλος from 1947 to 1964. In Greek Orthodox practice, the Apostle Paul is commemorated on June 29 with Saint Peter.
How Popular is the Name Pavlos?
Pavlos has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2008. Its best rank was #5,250 in 1970.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | #11,641 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2019 | #13,620 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2018 | #13,600 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2017 | #10,494 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2016 | #13,680 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2015 | #10,340 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2013 | #8,593 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2011 | #11,892 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2009 | #8,816 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2008 | #8,832 | 9 | 0.0004% |
| 2007 | #11,987 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2005 | #12,847 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2003 | #12,262 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2002 | #12,001 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2001 | #11,850 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1999 | #11,158 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1992 | #7,194 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1986 | #6,512 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1983 | #7,022 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1982 | #7,090 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1979 | #6,788 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1970 | #5,250 | 5 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Most Popular Boy Names That Start with P
How the Name Pavlos Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You have a power of expression, either in speaking or writing. You are in favor for studying and research. You are clever, clear-sighted and intellectual. You don't like to let others know your true feelings. You might be atheistic or agnostic. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in research. You know what you want and why you want it.
Dependable, very down-to-earth and well grounded, you are always looking for meaningful work, a career where you can take pride in your work and do the best job you are capable of. Your prime desire is to build protected and secure environment at home and at work. You can be very persuasive in achieving goals and gaining objectives. You can be very detailed and well-organized and possess great organizational skills. At times you may appear too stubborn and overly critical to others, but your practical approach to life and productivity makes you one of the most beneficent members of community.
✦ Pavlos's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Pavlos's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.