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NamyLab

Paula

female
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Small; Humble"

Paula is the Latin feminine of Paul, traditionally interpreted as small or humble and used widely in Christian contexts.

Themes:latinfemininehumilityclassic

Fact-checked by Dr. Elena Vasquez

Ph.D. Medieval History, StanfordPublished Academic ResearcherHistory Professor (Adjunct) • Historical Names Consultant

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Paula

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#753Top 1000

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#753

Paula was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
-46

lower than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Paula Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Paula.

10 ideas
Pau
Nickname
Polly
Nickname
paul
Nickname
pa
Nickname
paula
Nickname
aula
Nickname
ulay
Nickname
pauy
Nickname
paulaie
Nickname
paulay
Nickname

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Baby Name Lists That Include Paula

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Paula, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

17 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Paula mean?
Paula means "Small; Humble". Paula is the Latin feminine of Paul, traditionally interpreted as small or humble and used widely in Christian contexts.
What is the origin of Paula?
Paula is of Latin origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Paula?
According to the latest SSA data, Paula is currently ranked #753 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Paula a girl name?
Paula is traditionally a girl name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Paula?
Popular nicknames for Paula include Pau, Polly, paul, pa, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Paula?
There are many names similar to Paula in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginLatin
Syllables2
Length5 letters
US Rank#753
Trend↓ Falling
Starts withP

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Girl Names Like Paula

Paula has Latin roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Latin baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Paula appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Latin Baby Names and Names That Mean The Sun for Boys and Girls for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Names That Mean Child Of God for Boys and Girls and Names That Mean Miracle And Blessing for Boys and Girls.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Paula pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Paula beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.