Paul Riley

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Paul Riley — humble
1.4 million People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Paul Riley is a name combining Latin origins, bringing together "humble" (Paul) with "courageous" (Riley). The first name Paul is a masculine given name of Latin origin. From the Latin Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." The apostle Paul was the most influential early Christian missionary. The surname Riley: Riley is a surname of English origin, as well as an Anglicized version of an Irish surname. The name has the meaning "rye clearing", or is from one of several placenames, including High Riley in Accrington, Lancashire, and in Devon. In the United Kingdom Census 1881, more than a third of Rileys were in Lancashire; it was most prevalent in the east of the county and over the boundary into the Calder Valley in Yorkshire, and the name could be found in these areas from the 13th century. The name is also an Anglicized version of the Irish surname O'Reilly. Paul is one of the most widespread first names worldwide, carried by approximately 1.4 million people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Paul reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Paul

Meaning: humble

Latin

From the Latin Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." The apostle Paul was the most influential early Christian missionary.

Surname: Riley

Meaning: courageous

Irish

Riley is a surname of English origin, as well as an Anglicized version of an Irish surname. The name has the meaning "rye clearing", or is from one of several placenames, including High Riley in Accrington, Lancashire, and in Devon. In the United Kingdom Census 1881, more than a third of Rileys were in Lancashire; it was most prevalent in the east of the county and over the boundary into the Calder Valley in Yorkshire, and the name could be found in these areas from the 13th century. The name is also an Anglicized version of the Irish surname O'Reilly.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Paul is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 34%
Italy 15%
Spain 12%
Brazil 17%
France 10%
Mexico 12%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Paul by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Name Variants & Related Names

The name Paul has several variants and related forms across different languages and cultures:

  • Paolo
  • Pablo
  • Pavel
  • Paulus
  • Pol

Notable People Named Paul Riley

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Paul Riley:

11
Expression Number

Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.

9
Soul Urge Number

Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.

11
Personality Number

Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Paul?
The first name Paul originates from Latin. From the Latin Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." The apostle Paul was the most influential early Christian missionary.
When was Paul most popular?
The name Paul reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Riley?
The surname Riley originates from Irish. Riley is a surname of English origin, as well as an Anglicized version of an Irish surname. The name has the meaning "rye clearing", or is from one of several placenames, including High Riley in Accrington, Lancashire, and in Devon. In the United Kingdom Census 1881, more than a third of Rileys were in Lancashire; it was most prevalent in the east of the county and over the boundary into the Calder Valley in Yorkshire, and the name could be found in these areas from the 13th century. The name is also an Anglicized version of the Irish surname O'Reilly.
What are the origins of the name Paul Riley?
The name Paul Riley combines two different traditions: the first name Paul has Latin roots, while the surname Riley originates from Irish.
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