poul

Poul is a masculine given name most commonly found in Denmark and other Nordic countries. It is the Danish form of Paul, derived from the Latin Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." The name has been used in Danish history and literature for centuries and remains a traditional choice for boys in Denmark today.

Variants and cognates include Paul in English, Paulo in Portuguese, Paolo in Italian, and Pavel in several Slavic languages. In Denmark, Poul is the familiar form, while English-speaking contexts more often use Paul. Outside of Denmark, the name is less common but can appear among families with Danish heritage or immigration.

Notable people named Poul include Poul Henningsen (1894–1967), a Danish designer and writer known for his PH lamps and contributions to modern design and architecture; Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980), a Danish architect and furniture designer celebrated for minimalist pieces; and Poul Nyrup Rasmussen (born 1943), who served as Prime Minister of Denmark from 1993 to 2001. The name is also borne by non-Danish figures such as Poul Anderson (1926–2001), an American science fiction author who used the Danish form of the name.

In contemporary usage, Poul remains strongly associated with Danish heritage and tradition. Its presence is most pronounced in Denmark and among Scandinavian communities, while it is comparatively rare in broader international use.