St Paul (surname)

The surname St Paul (also written as Saint Paul, St. Paul, or Saint-Paul) is a relatively uncommon surname with multiple potential origins and associations.

One origin is locational, derived from a place name dedicated to the Apostle Paul. This is particularly common in France, where the form "Saint-Paul" is more prevalent and numerous villages and towns bear this name. Families originating from such places may have adopted the surname.

Another possible origin is as a descriptive or nickname surname. This could have been given to someone associated with a church dedicated to St. Paul or someone who played the part of St. Paul in medieval pageants and plays. Alternatively, the name could have been bestowed upon someone known for their pious or learned nature, referencing the learned Apostle.

In some cases, the surname may have evolved from a given name, particularly in areas where given names were traditionally passed down as surnames.

The surname is found in various European countries, including France, England, and Germany, with variations reflecting linguistic and cultural influences. The distribution of the surname can provide clues about the ancestral origins of a family bearing the name. Genealogical research is often necessary to determine the precise origins of a specific family using the surname St Paul.