Paul Tan

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Paul Tan — humble
1.4 million People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Paul Tan is a name that combines Latin origins. 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 Tan: Tan is a common Chinese surname 譚. It is the 56th most commonly borne surname in China. Origin Two origins have been suggested for the Tan surname: The surname came from the ancient State of Tan which was located in the western part of what is now Shandong Province. During the Spring and Autumn period, this state was conquered by the neighbouring State of Qi. The court changed their surname to Tan in remembrance of their defeated homeland, and later prospered in Hunan Province. 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: Tan

Vietnamese

Tan is a common Chinese surname 譚. It is the 56th most commonly borne surname in China. Origin Two origins have been suggested for the Tan surname: The surname came from the ancient State of Tan which was located in the western part of what is now Shandong Province. During the Spring and Autumn period, this state was conquered by the neighbouring State of Qi. The court changed their surname to Tan in remembrance of their defeated homeland, and later prospered in Hunan Province.

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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 Tan

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 Tan:

22
Expression Number

Master Builder (Master Number 22). Combines grand vision with the practical ability to achieve lasting, large-scale goals.

5
Soul Urge Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

8
Personality Number

Ambition and material success. Represents power, business acumen and the drive to achieve significant goals.

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 Tan?
The surname Tan originates from Vietnamese. Tan is a common Chinese surname 譚. It is the 56th most commonly borne surname in China. Origin Two origins have been suggested for the Tan surname: The surname came from the ancient State of Tan which was located in the western part of what is now Shandong Province. During the Spring and Autumn period, this state was conquered by the neighbouring State of Qi. The court changed their surname to Tan in remembrance of their defeated homeland, and later prospered in Hunan Province.
What are the origins of the name Paul Tan?
The name Paul Tan combines two different traditions: the first name Paul has Latin roots, while the surname Tan originates from Vietnamese.
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