Pavel
/ˈpav.ɛl/noun
A Slavic masculine given name, equivalent to Paul.
Did you know?Pavel ultimately comes from Latin Paulus, and through Christian naming traditions it became a major saint’s name across Eastern Europe, carrying the same ancient root as the humble idea of “small.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Paulus
“A Roman family name meaning “small” or “little.””
1st Century
Latin
Paulus
“Used as the name of Saint Paul, whose influence made it one of the most powerful Christian names.”
Early Christian Era
Greek
Paulos
“Greek form of the apostle’s name, spread through the Christian world.”
Medieval Slavic
Slavic
Pavel
“Slavic adapted form of Paul, used as a baptismal and personal name.”
Modern English
English
Pavel
“A given name borrowed from Slavic languages, especially Russian, Czech, and Bulgarian usage.”