Origin of Paul
Recorded in over two hundred spelling forms throughout the Christian world this surname is of Roman (pre Christian) origins. The surname spellings range from examples such as Paul, Paule, and Pawle in England, Paolo and Paulo (Spain & Portugal), Pauli and Polo (Italy), Palle (Germany), Pabel (Czech) and Pal (Hungary), to all the patronymic and diminutive forms such as Paulson, Pauly, Paolozzi, Pavek, and many, many more. However spelt the name derives from the Latin word "paulus" meaning small, which became a baptismal term of endearment, as in 'small person'.
It is said that St Paul, having previously been Saul, adopted the name after his conversion to Christianity, and there is no doubt that the popularity of the name throughout Europe, largely derives from his well recorded and popular missionary work. In addition throughout Europe in the medieval period, 'Crusaders', the famous Knights Templar, returning from their various (unsuccessful) expeditions to free the Holy Land from the Muslims, called their children by biblical names in honour of their fathers prowess. In time these became surnames, and perhaps not surprisingly in a time of religious revival, one of the most popular of all surnames. The first known recordings of the surname in any spellings are in England and Germany, and early examples taken from authentic rolls and charters of the period include that of John Paul, which was dated 1292, in the charters called 'The Subsidy Rolls' of the city of London. This was during the reign of King Edward 1st, known as "The Hammer of the Scots," 1272 - 1307. In Germany the first known recording is that of Ludolf Pauli, given as being a Burger of Stettin, in the year 1325. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop", often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
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The surname Paul. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance
Research into the possible origins of paul leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname paul, and in addition to the original locations of paul, we can find out where people with the surname paul can currently be found.
The surname Paul around the world
There is a considerable probability that paul has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where paul is most abundant are the following. The mobility of people carrying the surname paul has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
History of Paul
The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named paul are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname paul are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective.
It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of paul could be modified. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname paul or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of paul.
Notable Figures Named Paul
We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname paul, even though not all have been documented to our present day. A surname like paul can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames.
The surname Paul and its bibliographic sources
The bibliography collects information related to the surname paul, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname paul, as well as many other surnames.
SOURCES
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of paul, and at the same time, of surnames in general.
