What is the origin of the name Pavlos?

The given name Pavlos is a variant of Paul, which has origins rooted in both Hebrew and Latin cultures. The Hebrew form is "Paul", meaning "small" or "humble". It is found in the New Testament as a name for several figures, most notably the apostle Paul who played a significant role in spreading Christianity. The name evolved into the Roman name "Paulus," which was also popular among early Christians and later became widespread throughout Europe due to its association with the apostle. Over time, regional variations of the name emerged, one of them being Pavlos in Greek-speaking areas. In Greek, Pavlos is often associated with Saint Paul (Apostolos Pavlos), who is revered as an important religious figure and has greatly influenced Greek culture and language.
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Learn more about the origin of the name Pavlos

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Pavlos

Pavlos is a Greek name derived from the Latin name Paulus, which means "small" or "humble." The name has its roots in the New Testament, where it appears as the surname of Saint Paul, also known as Apostle Paul, one of the most significant figures in early Christianity and an author of several books in the New Testament. The name Pavlos is popular in Greece and other countries with Greek-speaking populations, reflecting the strong influence of Greek culture and religion on naming practices. Over time, various forms and variations of the name have evolved, including Paul, Paolo, Pablo, and many others, emphasizing its global significance and popularity.

Character traits associated with the name Pavlos

Pavlos is often associated with qualities such as courage, leadership, and resilience. Named after the ancient Greek philosopher and saint, Saint Paul (Apostle Paul), Pavlos carries a strong sense of wisdom and spirituality. He is known for his determination, tenacity, and a deep commitment to his beliefs. Pavlos may be perceived as confident, assertive, and charismatic, with a natural ability to inspire and lead others. However, he can also be stubborn at times, holding firmly to his convictions even when faced with opposition. Overall, Pavlos embodies qualities that make him a strong and respected individual.

Popularity of the name Pavlos

The given name Pavlos is of Greek origin and has significant prevalence within Greek-speaking communities, particularly Greece itself. According to data from the Greek Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), Pavlos was among the top 20 most popular names for boys born in Greece between 2015 and 2019, peaking at the seventh position in 2016. The name's popularity reflects the cultural significance of historical figures named Pavlos, such as Saint Paul (Apostle Paul), who is considered an important religious figure in Christianity. Additionally, Pavlos has been borne by prominent Greek political leaders like King Paul I and Prime Minister Georgios Papandreou, further contributing to its esteemed status within the country.

Famous people with the name Pavlos

Pavlos is a Greek name that has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields and eras. One of the most prominent figures with this name is King Paul I of Greece (1796-1862), who reigned from 1833 to 1862 and played an instrumental role in shaping modern Greece during his reign. Another significant figure is Pavlos Klimis, a Greek mathematician and philosopher known for his contributions to nonstandard analysis and the philosophy of mathematics. In sports, Pavlos Kontides is a Cypriot fencer who won a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Lastly, Pavlos Hatzis, a contemporary Greek artist, is renowned for his provocative works exploring themes such as national identity and historical trauma. These individuals exemplify the versatility and achievements of those named Pavlos throughout history.

Variations of the name Pavlos

Pavlos is primarily a Greek name with various spelling and pronunciation variants. Some common variations include:

1. Paulos - This is a direct transliteration from Greek to Latin, which shares the same origin as the English name Paul.
2. Pablo (Pavlo) - This is the Spanish version of Pavlos, derived from the Latin form Paulus.
3. Paolo (Pavolo) - This is the Italian version of Pavlos, also derived from the Latin form Paulus.
4. Paulo (Pavoulos) - This is the Portuguese version of Pavlos, also derived from the Latin form Paulus.
5. Pawel (Pavlis) - This is the Polish version of Pavlos, with a slightly different spelling and pronunciation.
6. Pavel (Pavlis) - This is the Czech, Slovak, Russian, and Bulgarian version of Pavlos, sharing similarities in both spelling and pronunciation.
7. Paweł (Pavlis) - This is another variation of the Polish name Pawel, pronounced slightly differently but with the same meaning.
8. Pawlo (Pavlis) - This is a variant of the Ukrainian version of Pavlos, pronounced and spelled similarly to the Russian and Bulgarian versions.
9. Paulus - This is the Latin form of Pavlos, which also serves as the root for many other forms in different languages such as French (Paul), German (Paul), Dutch (Pauwel/Paolo), and Scandinavian languages (Påvel).
NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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