The name Paulo is of Latin origin and means "small" or "humble." It is a derivative of the Roman family name Paulus, which was borne by several early saints and martyrs in the Christian church. The most famous of these was Saint Paul of Tarsus, who was originally known as Saul but changed his name to Paul after his conversion on the road to Damascus.
The name Paulo has been used throughout history, particularly in Portugal and Brazil, where it is one of the most popular male names. It was also the name of several notable figures, including Brazilian footballer Paulo Roberto Falcão and Portuguese writer Paulo Coelho.
Overall, Paulo is a strong and distinctive name with a rich historical background that has been embraced by many cultures throughout the centuries. Its meaning of "small" or "humble" may seem surprising for such an imposing-sounding name, but it adds to its unique character and charm.
The name Paulo has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its usage since the 1960s. Between 1913 and 2023, there were a total of 4812 births registered with the name Paulo in the US.
The earliest recorded birth of a child named Paulo in the US was in 1913, with only 7 births that year. The number of births fluctuated throughout the early to mid-20th century, reaching a peak of 35 births in 1969 and then steadily increasing over time.
By the 1970s, the popularity of the name Paulo began to grow significantly, with 72 births recorded in 1971. This trend continued into the 1980s, reaching a high of 121 births in 2005. Although there was a slight decline in the following years, the number of births with the name Paulo remained relatively stable, hovering around 60-90 births per year from 2007 to 2016.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Paulo has seen a resurgence, with 100 births recorded in 2020 and reaching an all-time high of 109 births in 2023. This demonstrates that the name Paulo continues to be a beloved choice among parents in the United States.
Overall, these statistics illustrate the enduring popularity of the name Paulo in the US over the past century, with its usage peaking in recent years. Parents continue to choose this timeless and distinctive name for their children, contributing to its ongoing legacy in American culture.