Paula
Paula: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /หpษหlษ/ ยท /หpษlษ/
Meaning and origin of Paula
Root meaning: โPaulโ
- A female given name from Latin.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin Paula, feminine form of Paulus (โPaulโ).
How popular is Paula?
Since 1880, 280,856 girls and 913 boys in the U.S. have been named Paula (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #38 in 1954. Its highest rank for boys was #1529 in 1958. In 2025 it ranked #855 for girls, with 318 babies given the name.
Names similar to Paula
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Latin girl names
Sibling name ideas for Paula
Sister and brother names that share Paula's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Paula FAQ
What does the name Paula mean?
Paula traces back to a root meaning "Paul". A female given name from Latin. Borrowed from Latin Paula, feminine form of Paulus (โPaulโ).
What is the origin of the name Paula?
Paula is listed as a name of Latin origin.
How popular is the name Paula?
Since 1880, 280,856 girls and 913 boys in the U.S. have been named Paula (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #38 in 1954. Its highest rank for boys was #1529 in 1958. In 2025 it ranked #855 for girls, with 318 babies given the name.
Is Paula a boy or girl name?
Paula is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 280,856 girls and 913 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880โ2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.