National Paul Day is celebrated every year on July 13. The day aims to show our appreciation for everyone named Paul, so if you’re named Paul or you know someone named Paul, take this opportunity to honor them (or yourself!). Paul is a masculine name that’s especially common in Christian countries, given the strong Christian heritage the name has. Paul is a derivate of Paulus, a Latin family name meaning ‘humble’ — especially fitting for a Christian name. Paul is often perceived as a classic, wholesome, strong, and simple name. The most well-known Paul was, of course, Paul the Apostle, the saint responsible for the solidification of Christianity after the passing of his teacher, Jesus of Nazareth. Paul most notably converted from a persecutor of Christians to arguably the most important Christian of all time.
History of National Paul Day
The name Paul, being of Latin origin, has been in existence since Roman times. Back during the Classical Age, if two people within a family had the same name, ‘Paul’ was used to distinguish the younger one.
As previously stated, the name is widespread within Christian culture and can be found across the globe in many countries and languages. Several early saints and no less than six popes also bore the name Paul.
The name used to be uncommon in the English-speaking world, but its popularity began steadily increasing during the 17th century — eventually reaching the top 20 most popular names in 1900, an honor the name retained for almost 70 years. Paul was also very popular amongst the German and French, and nowadays continues to be a common name there. The feminine versions of Paul are Paula, Pauline, Paulina, and Paulette.
There are many famous Pauls. Within the art world, famous bearers include the French impressionists Paul Cezanne (1839 to 1906) and Paul Gauguin (1848 to 1903), and the Swiss expressionist Paul Klee (1879 to 1940). In popular culture, there is Paul Newman (1925 to 2008) and the musicians, Paul Simon and Paul McCartney.
National Paul Day timeline
Paul Newman stars in the box-office smash, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” alongside Elizabeth Taylor., for which he is nominated for an Academy Award.
Paul McCartney begins his career as a member of The Quarrymen, which evolves into The Beatles.
Paul Simon begins performing with Art Garfunkel and after limited success, the pair reunited after a rendition of their song ‘The Sound of Silence’ became a hit in 1966.
Paul Cézanne, a French artist and Post-Impressionist painter, is born.
Paul begins gaining more popularity as a given name.
National Paul Day FAQs
What is Paul short for?
Paul is derived from the Roman family name Paulus or Paullus.
Is Paul an Irish name?
Paul is not common in Ireland.
Can Paul be a girl's name?
The female version of Paul is Paula.
National Paul Day Activities
Take your friend Paul to dinner
Take your friend Paul out to eat to celebrate this special day. He’ll surely appreciate the gesture.
Take your friend Paul out to eat to celebrate this special day. He’ll surely appreciate the gesture.
Both of these popular bands have a member named Paul. Create a playlist and celebrate their music.
Host a party
If your name is Paul, host a party in your honor and make your guests dress like you! It’ll be fun to see what they come up with.
5 Interesting Facts About Saint Paul
He was known as Saul
Saint Paul is also known as Saul of Tarsus, as he was born in Tarsus, Cilicia.
Born a Roman citizen and was Jewish
This put him in a great position to connect with both the Romans and Jews to teach them about the gospel and spread the word of God.
He wrote 13 books of the Bible
He wrote 13 books of the Bible
He went on four missionary journeys
Saint Paul went on four missionary journeys throughout his life, which took him across Asia Minor and Europe, where he founded churches to promote the Christian movement.
Saint Paul allegedly died a martyr
The truth behind his death is broadly unknown, but it is said that he was beheaded in Rome, making him a martyr.
Why We Love National Paul Day
Today honors Paul
National Paul Day is dedicated to all the Pauls in the world. It’s great to have a day that is solely for you.
The history behind the name is interesting
From Saints to Beatles, the history around the name Paul is interesting and varied. Do some research on this day to find out more about famous Pauls.
We get to decide how to celebrate
For those of us named Paul, we get to decide how we and others celebrate our national day! Do something for yourself on this day.
National Paul Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 13 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 13 | Monday |
| 2027 | July 13 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | July 13 | Thursday |
| 2029 | July 13 | Friday |
