The name Paul has its origins in the ancient Roman world, deriving from the Latin name Paulus, which itself comes from the adjective "paullus" meaning "small" or "humble". This name was quite common among Roman citizens during the classical era.

Paul is also the name used for the famous apostle and early Christian missionary, originally known as Saul of Tarsus. Born around 5 AD in present-day Turkey, he played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. His conversion from Judaism to Christianity and subsequent missionary work are recorded in the New Testament.

In the 3rd century AD, the name Paul gained further prominence with the reign of the Roman emperor Paul of Samosata, who ruled the eastern provinces from 260 to 272 AD. He was known for his theological views that were later deemed heretical by the Church.

During the Middle Ages, the name Paul remained popular among Christians, particularly in Western Europe. Notable examples include the 6th-century Pope Paul I, who reigned from 757 to 767 AD, and the Frankish scholar Paul the Deacon, who lived in the 8th century.

In the Renaissance period, the name Paul was associated with several influential figures, including the Italian humanist Paul the Venetian (c. 1369 - 1429) and the German reformer Paul Speratus (c. 1484 - 1551), who played a role in the Protestant Reformation.

Other notable historical figures with the name Paul include the French philosopher Paul-Henri Thiry d'Holbach (1723 - 1789), the Russian composer Paul Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893), and the Austrian physicist Paul Ehrenfest (1880 - 1933).

Throughout history, the name Paul has been borne by numerous other significant individuals across various fields, including literature, art, politics, and science, reflecting its enduring popularity and cultural significance.