Paavo

Paavo is a masculine given name most commonly used in Finland. It is the Finnish form of Paul, derived from the Latin Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." The name entered Finnish usage through Christian tradition and has remained relatively popular in the country into modern times.

In Finland, Paavo is considered a traditional name with a straightforward pronunciation for Finnish speakers. It has produced a number of notable bearers who have contributed to Finnish culture, politics, and sport.

Notable individuals named Paavo include Paavo Nurmi (1897–1973), a Finnish runner who became a multiple Olympic champion and world record holder; Paavo Lipponen (born 1941), a Finnish politician who served as prime minister from 1995 to 2001; and Paavo Väyrynen (born 1946), a long-time Finnish politician and presidential candidate. Another historically prominent bearer is Paavo Ruotsalainen (1777–1852), a religious leader influential in early 19th-century Finnish revival movements.

Beyond Finland, the name Paavo is recognized as the Finnish equivalent of Paul and shares its roots with related names such as Paul (English), Paulus (Latin), and Paolo (Italian). The form Paavo has limited use outside Finnish-speaking communities, where it is primarily encountered as an identifier of Finnish heritage.