Pavlos is a Greek masculine given name derived from the Latin name Paulos, which was introduced to Greece by early Christian converts. The name Paulos ultimately originates from the Roman family name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." It is believed that the name was first used as an agnomen (nickname), possibly referring to someone who was physically small or modest in stature.
The use of the name Pavlos in Greece can be traced back to early Christian times. Saint Paulos, also known as Saint Paul, was a significant figure in early Christianity and played a crucial role in spreading the religion throughout the Roman Empire. As a result, the name became popular among Greek Christians who wished to honor the saint or associate themselves with his virtues.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Pavlos. One of the most famous is Pavlos Melas, a revolutionary leader and hero during Greece's struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. Melas fought valiantly against the Ottomans and played an essential role in liberating northern Greece.
In addition to its historical significance, the name Pavlos has also been popular among Greek families throughout the centuries due to its musical qualities and pleasant sound. It is often used as a middle name or given name for boys born into Greek Orthodox families.
In modern times, the name Pavlos continues to be a popular choice among Greeks, with many parents choosing it for their sons in honor of the saint, the revolutionary hero, or simply because they appreciate its musicality and historical significance. The name remains an essential part of Greece's cultural heritage and is deeply rooted in the country's rich history.
Overall, Pavlos is a proud Greek masculine given name with a long and distinguished history, originating from the Latin name Paulos and gaining popularity due to its association with prominent figures such as Saint Paulos and Pavlos Melas. Its meaning, "small" or "humble," reflects the name's modest beginnings as an agnomen, while its musical qualities and pleasant sound continue to make it a popular choice among Greek families today.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Pavlos born in the United States each year from 1970 to 2020. Over this period, there were a total of 132 births with the name Pavlos.
The popularity of the name Pavlos fluctuated over the years, with some periods showing more consistency than others. In the 1970s and early 1980s, there were four years where five babies were named Pavlos each year (1970, 1979, 1982, and 1983). The name's popularity dipped slightly in 1986 with six births but rebounded to seven in 1992.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a consistent number of Pavlos births each year, with five births occurring annually between 1999 and 2003. After this period, the name's popularity began to fluctuate more significantly. There were six births in both 2005 and 2007, but then there was a significant increase to nine births in both 2008 and 2009.
The number of Pavlos births dipped again to six in 2011 before jumping back up to nine in 2013. From 2015 onwards, the popularity of the name appears to have stabilized at around seven births per year, with only minor fluctuations (five births each in 2016 and 2018, six births in 2020).
Overall, these statistics provide insight into the trends and patterns surrounding the name Pavlos over a span of five decades. While the name has not been extremely popular throughout this period, it has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in the United States.