Middle names for Paul
Good middle names for Paul change the rhythm, start with a different sound and end differently, so the full name doesn't blur or rhyme. Paul has 1 syllable and ranked #262 for boys in 2025; these boy names, all well established in US records, fit those rules.
2-syllable middle names
Paul has 1 syllable; a 2-syllable middle name gives a contrasting rhythm.
- Paul Noah rest (Hebrew noaḥ)
- Paul Henry home + ruler (Germanic)
- Paul William will + helmet (Germanic)
- Paul Daniel 'God is my judge'
- Paul Michael 'who is like God?'
- Paul Samuel
- Paul Ethan firm, enduring
- Paul Ezra help
- Paul Asher happy, fortunate
- Paul Owen
- Paul Hudson son of Hudd (surname)
- Paul Jackson son of Jack
3-syllable middle names
A longer or shorter middle name also keeps the full name from sounding sing-song.
- Paul Oliver
- Paul Elijah 'my God is Yahweh'
- Paul Theodore gift of God
- Paul Mateo 'gift of Yahweh' (via Matthew)
- Paul Benjamin
- Paul Sebastian from Sebaste; 'venerable'
- Paul Julian of Julius (Roman family name)
- Paul Elias 'my God is Yahweh' (via Elijah)
- Paul Gabriel 'God is my strength / man of God'
- Paul Maverick
- Paul Anthony
- Paul Josiah healed or supported by God
Classic and vintage middle names
Names that have lasted (timeless) or are coming back after a century (vintage revival), by our measured style lists.
- Paul Anthony
- Paul Samuel
- Paul Henry home + ruler (Germanic)
- Paul Arthur
- Paul Vincent conquering
- Paul Victor conqueror
- Paul Francis Frenchman, Frank
- Paul Theodore gift of God
- Paul Martin of Mars
- Paul Oliver
Middle names from Paul's era
Names whose popularity rose and fell with Paul's, so they feel of a piece with it.
- Paul Russell little red one (red-haired)
- Paul Philip fond of horses
- Paul Glenn valley (Gaelic)
- Paul Robert bright fame
- Paul Alan
- Paul Curtis courteous
- Paul James English form of Jacob
- Paul Kenneth
- Paul Thomas twin
- Paul Raymond counsel + protection
Try it with your last name
The surname changes everything: a middle name that flows with Paul can clash with your last name. Check Paul with a middle and last name for rhythm, initials and the monogram.
How these were chosen
There is no official record of middle names, so these come from sound rules, not popularity: a different number of syllables from Paul, a different first sound and ending, and no repeated consonant or vowel run-on where the names meet. Initials depend on your last name, so the full-name checker tests them. Candidates are names given to at least 2,500 boys in the last five years. Style groups use our measured style lists, and "same era" names are those with the most similar popularity curve to Paul.