Paulus is a Latin name with a rich history and significant meaning. Derived from the Latin word "paulus," which means "small" or "humble," Paulus is often associated with modesty and simplicity.
The name Paulus has been used since ancient Roman times, but it gained prominence in the early Christian era due to Saint Paul the Apostle, also known as Saul of Tarsus. Born a Jew, Paulus was initially hostile towards Christians until he had a vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus. After this revelation, he converted to Christianity and became one of its most influential figures.
Paulus spent many years spreading the gospel throughout Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome, eventually being imprisoned in Rome where he wrote several books of the New Testament, including the Epistle to the Romans and the Epistle to the Philippians. He was ultimately martyred during the reign of Emperor Nero around 67 AD.
Despite its association with Christianity, Paulus is not exclusively a religious name. Today, Paulus is used in various forms across different cultures, including Paul, Pablo, Paolo, and Paulus itself in German-speaking countries. It remains a popular choice for parents looking to give their child a strong, historic name with a meaningful origin.
The name Paulus has seen a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States. In 1929 and again in 1964, there were 5 babies named Paulus each year. There was a slight increase in 1965 with 6 newborns sharing this name, but it dropped back down to 5 in 1987.
Over the span of these five years, from 1929 to 1987, a total of 21 babies were named Paulus in the United States. While not a common name by any means, Paulus has been a part of American baby naming trends for several decades, with a consistent but low level of popularity.