Paula as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Paula

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The baby name Paula is a Female name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced English: /ˈpɔːlə/ (PAW-lə) or /ˈpɑːlə/ (PAH-lə); Spanish/Italian: /ˈpawla/ (PAU-la).

Paula is Latin in Origin.

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2.0

Origin: Latin

Pronunciation: English: /ˈpɔːlə/ (PAW-lə) or /ˈpɑːlə/ (PAH-lə); Spanish/Italian: /ˈpawla/ (PAU-la)

What is the meaning of the name Paula ?

The baby name Paula is a Female name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced English: /ˈpɔːlə/ (PAW-lə) or /ˈpɑːlə/ (PAH-lə); Spanish/Italian: /ˈpawla/ (PAU-la).

Paula is Latin in Origin.

Paula is the feminine form of the Latin name Paulus, from paulus 'small, humble'. It spread with early Christianity, anchored by Saint Paula of Rome, a wealthy patron and collaborator of Jerome, which secured the name across medieval Europe. Usage remained steady in Romance and German-speaking regions, later enjoying mid-20th-century popularity in English-speaking countries while staying consistently common in Spain, Portugal, and much of Latin America.

Variants and cognates include Paola (Italian, also Spanish), Paule (French), Pavla (Czech/Slovak), Paulina and Pauline (elaborated forms), and the modern respellings Paulla or Paolla. Diminutives and affectionate forms appear as Pau/Pao, Pauli, Paulita (Spanish), and Paulinha (Portuguese). Across languages, the core meaning of humility and modesty remains, giving Paula a timeless, gently classical appeal.

Paula has the following similar or variant Names

Paula Abdul Actor · Born 1962 · United States Paula Abdul is best known as a pop singer and choreographer, with hits like "Straight Up," "Opposites Attract," and "Rush Rush." She started out as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers at 18 and later became head choreographer for the Laker Girls, where the Jacksons discovered her.	Paula Fernandes Actor · Born 1984 · Brazil Paula Fernandes is a Brazilian singer and songwriter known for her captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics. She gained fame with hits like 'Pássaro de Fogo' and 'Eu Sem Você', which showcase her talent in the sertanejo music genre.	Paula Patton Actor · Born 1975 · United States Paula Patton is an American actress best known for her role in the film 'Precious' where she played the character Ms. Rain. She also starred alongside Tom Cruise in 'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol'. Born in 1975, she has appeared in various films and television shows throughout her career.
Paula-Mae Weekes Politician · Born 1958 · Trinidad and Tobago Paula-Mae Weekes is best known for serving as the sixth president of Trinidad and Tobago from 2018 to 2023. A Trinidadian politician and jurist, she was the country’s first female president, its second female head of state after Queen Elizabeth II, and the second woman of African ancestry to become president in the Western Hemisphere after Ertha Pascal-Trouillot of Haiti.	Paula Beer Actor · Born 1995 · Germany Paula Beer is a German actress best known for films like Frantz, Transit, and Undine. She was born on 23 February 1995 in Mainz, Germany.	Paula Malcomson Actor · Born 1970 · United Kingdom Paula Malcomson is best known for her role as Abby Donovan in the television series Ray Donovan. She has also appeared in The Hunger Games film series as Mrs. Everdeen and played Trixie in the TV show Deadwood. Born in 1970 in the United Kingdom, she has built a diverse acting career across film and television.

Paula Deen

Actor · Born 1947 · United States

Paula Deen is best known as an American chef, cookbook author, and TV personality. Born Paula Ann Hiers Deen on January 19, 1947, she lives in Savannah, Georgia.

Paula Wessely

Actor · Born 1907 · Austria

Paula Wessely was an Austrian actress best known for her role in the film 'Maskerade'. She gained fame in the 1930s and continued to be a prominent figure in Austrian cinema with performances in movies like 'Der Engel mit der Posaune'. Her career spanned several decades, making her a significant part of Austria's film history.

Paula Garcés

Actor · Born 1974 · United States

Paula Garcés is an American actress best known for her role as Maria in the Harold & Kumar film series. She also starred in the TV series The Shield and Devious Maids, showcasing her versatility across both film and television.

Paula Trickey

Actor · Born 1966 · United States

Paula Trickey is an American actress best known for her role as Cory McNamara on the television series 'Pacific Blue'. She has also appeared in shows like 'The O.C.' and 'Walker, Texas Ranger'.

Paula Shaw

Actor · Born 1941 · United States

Paula Shaw was an American actress best known for her many film and television character roles. A life member of the Actors Studio, she appeared in numerous productions, including Barney Miller, where she played a prostitute in the episodes "Quarantine" and "Bugs."

Paula Marshall

Actor · Born 1964 · United States

Paula Marshall is an American actress best known for TV roles in Chicago Hope, Spin City, and Cupid. She was born on June 12, 1964.

Paula Kelly

Actor · Born 1943 · United States

Paula Kelly was an American actress, singer, and dancer best known for her work in musical theater and film. She appeared in Sweet Charity, The Andromeda Strain, and the TV series Night Court.

Paula Echevarría

Actor · Born 1977 · Spain

Paula Echevarría is best known as a Spanish actress and model. She is known for roles in Velvet, Gran Reserva, and El comisario.

Paula Brancati

Actor · Born 1989 · Canada

Paula Brancati is a Canadian actor best known for her role as Jane Vaughn on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation. She also starred in the series Being Erica and Dark Oracle. Born in 1989, Paula has made a significant impact on Canadian television.

Haiducii

Actor · Born 1971 · Romania

Paula Monica Mitrache, known as Haiducii, is a Romanian singer and model best known for her 2004 hit cover of "Dragostea din tei." The song, originally by O-Zone, brought her widespread international attention.

Paula Kalenberg

Actor · Born 1986 · Germany

Paula Kalenberg is a German actress known for her role in the film 'The Cloud'. She has also appeared in 'Krabat' and 'Four Minutes', showcasing her versatility and talent in the German film industry.

Pola Illéry

Actor · Born 1909 · United States

Pola Illéry, born Paula Iliescu Gibson, was a Romanian-American actress and singer best known for playing glamorous vamp roles in early French cinema and later in Hollywood. She appeared in both silent films and talkies during her screen career from 1928 to 1938, including High Voltage, Under the Roofs of Paris, and Kiki.

Paula Vesala

Actor · Born 1981 · Finland

Paula Vesala is a Finnish actress and musician, best known as a member of the pop duo PMMP. She has also made a name for herself in the acting world with roles in films like 'The Unknown Soldier'. Born in 1981, she continues to be a prominent figure in Finland's entertainment industry.

Name	Last Name(s)	Mother	Mother famous for	Fame Level	Father	Father famous for	Fame Level
Paula	Nelson				Willie Nelson	television actor	★★★★★
Paula	Riemann	Katja Riemann	singer	★★★★★	Peter Sattmann	television actor	★★★★★

Paula – Popularity by country

Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.

Country	Gender	Year	Rank	Born	of
Ireland	Girls	2025	#1	—	874
Germany	Girls	2025	#1	—	411
LU	Girls	0	#5	435	4,850
MU	Girls	0	#5	3,505	8,539
AO	Girls	0	#6	712	4,575
PT	Girls	0	#7	15,212	7,952
FJ	Boys	0	#14	4	603
SV	Girls	0	#17	2	458
Spain	Girls	0	#18	29,221	5,561
BW		0	#19	1	960
HT	Girls	0	#23	1	950
CL		0	#24	2,073	6,867
AO		0	#26	58	2,729
PT		0	#26	1,188	4,161
MU		0	#29	249	3,613
BR	Girls	0	#30	11,378	12,708
CL	Girls	0	#30	13,620	14,098
NA		0	#30	4	2,537
BN		0	#32	1	2,297
Finland	Girls	2026	#32	16,740	3,895
AR		0	#34	228	2,915
CO	Girls	0	#34	32,004	16,140
Finland	Girls	0	#34	3,055	1,368
MD		0	#34	1	434
HN	Girls	0	#35	4	884
ID		0	#36	4	2,238
EE		0	#37	1	1,051
MT		0	#37	7	1,767
UY		0	#38	212	2,477
Austria	Girls	2024	#40	182	60
CO		0	#41	2,698	7,768
Spain		0	#41	1,629	2,326
AR	Girls	0	#47	3,734	8,289
LU		0	#47	20	2,830
BR		0	#48	648	5,969
UY	Girls	0	#48	2,948	6,731
MO		0	#50	3	2,706
PR		0	#52	4	1,497
Finland		0	#55	659	830
CY		0	#56	5	1,632
NL	Girls	2014	#57	5	73
JM		0	#59	29	3,714
HR	Girls	0	#62	938	3,687
JM	Girls	0	#62	314	7,507
Switzerland	Girls	2024	#66	75	1,786
CR		0	#66	98	5,526
CR	Girls	0	#67	1,440	11,342
AL		0	#70	7	2,372
JP		0	#72	6	4,057
PH		0	#72	25	5,607
BG		0	#78	5	1,799
MD	Girls	0	#79	12	865
PL	Girls	0	#80	2,421	5,096
CN		0	#82	5	3,857
LT		0	#83	6	949
ID	Girls	0	#85	14	3,319
NA	Girls	0	#86	161	7,146
QA		0	#90	11	7,011
HR		0	#93	106	2,081
MT	Girls	0	#93	60	3,773
AF	Girls	0	#94	1	2,402
KZ		0	#94	1	1,452
CY	Girls	0	#96	26	3,755
TW		0	#97	7	4,523
EC		0	#98	18	2,502
OM		0	#99	18	6,215
PL		0	#106	201	2,600
GE	Girls	0	#107	2	1,564
PA		0	#108	23	3,797
BN	Girls	0	#110	5	5,459
EC	Girls	0	#113	148	3,650
PR	Girls	0	#113	50	3,171
KW		0	#114	8	5,216
EE	Girls	0	#115	24	1,888
HU		0	#115	1	1,675
NL	Girls	0	#119	3,323	5,933
Norway	Girls	2025	#123	4	453
CY	Boys	0	#131	1	3,473
RS	Girls	0	#131	7	1,651
GR		0	#134	2	3,911
MX	Girls	0	#140	6,566	17,781
JP	Girls	0	#142	115	6,592
LT	Girls	0	#142	54	1,904
BW	Girls	0	#147	5	4,216
AE		0	#150	28	10,220
LT	Boys	0	#151	1	2,166
PA	Girls	0	#152	509	9,861
GT	Girls	0	#161	560	7,500
AL	Girls	0	#162	62	4,141
PE	Girls	0	#167	2,972	14,861
Belgium	Girls	2024	#168	18	424
BO	Girls	0	#170	1,007	9,488
Sweden	Girls	2022	#174	6	1,568
CZ		0	#174	12	3,154
SI	Girls	0	#175	3	2,769
PR	Boys	0	#178	1	2,508
DK		0	#184	20	5,198
RU		0	#188	7	3,641
Austria		0	#189	25	850
Germany	Girls	0	#192	1,780	4,949
MO	Girls	0	#194	58	7,056
NL		0	#197	221	2,481
Austria	Girls	0	#199	302	1,885
GR	Girls	0	#200	43	6,293
HU	Girls	0	#200	24	3,308
PS		0	#202	17	5,692
BG	Girls	0	#203	21	3,559
LU	Boys	0	#215	6	4,970
GT		0	#216	100	5,948
PE		0	#217	95	6,350
PH	Girls	0	#218	185	13,098
IR		0	#219	11	4,221
BO		0	#226	163	6,868
TW	Girls	0	#226	51	8,139
AO	Boys	0	#230	13	5,568
BD		0	#239	3	5,992
MX		0	#239	188	8,339
EC	Boys	0	#244	3	3,322
IL		0	#245	30	6,291
GH		0	#247	2	5,396
SG		0	#248	22	11,010
NA	Boys	0	#251	3	6,830
DK	Girls	0	#255	62	7,429
TW	Boys	0	#255	2	7,111
HR	Boys	0	#256	4	3,997
NG		0	#267	6	5,926
QA	Girls	0	#270	47	15,378
France	Girls	2021	#274	137	3,185
Canada	Girls	2024	#275	11	2,795
GH	Girls	0	#283	42	6,973
SA		0	#284	12	10,560
CN	Girls	0	#285	65	8,829
CZ	Girls	0	#285	58	5,378
JM	Boys	0	#289	5	6,876
PT	Boys	0	#296	73	7,951
ZA		0	#300	148	14,421
Germany		0	#302	141	2,542
AL	Boys	0	#303	1	5,122
JP	Boys	0	#303	1	7,909
CZ	Boys	0	#305	1	6,530
MY		0	#313	18	12,352
HK		0	#317	32	8,483
IT	Girls	0	#327	3,996	9,415
EG	Boys	0	#332	1,034	15,035
JO	Girls	0	#332	8	7,570
KZ	Girls	0	#332	1	5,862
OM	Girls	0	#335	62	15,987
MU	Boys	0	#337	21	8,477
PL	Boys	0	#338	3	6,459
EG		0	#340	61	6,387
SD	Girls	0	#355	4	7,678
PH	Boys	0	#373	11	11,440
UY	Boys	0	#374	26	5,922
ZA	Girls	0	#386	1,487	25,928
LB		0	#403	290	13,263
BD	Girls	0	#404	3	8,413
AE	Girls	0	#407	147	20,968
PS	Girls	0	#418	106	10,981
AR	Boys	0	#431	37	7,628
HK	Girls	0	#448	170	16,104
IL	Girls	0	#449	172	11,648
KW	Girls	0	#454	62	19,177
RU	Girls	0	#454	45	11,913
IT		0	#459	275	4,183
SD	Boys	0	#465	2	10,523
IR	Girls	0	#471	60	8,334
SG	Girls	0	#472	115	18,916
CM	Girls	0	#475	66	11,671
GT	Boys	0	#493	7	7,625
PA	Boys	0	#500	6	9,305
CR	Boys	0	#502	9	10,188
IQ	Girls	0	#517	9	11,303
RU	Boys	0	#525	2	12,621
BH		0	#526	28	17,937
BR	Boys	0	#545	216	12,213
HK	Boys	0	#554	4	12,905
LY		0	#558	2	12,703
United States	Girls	2024	#564	374	8,487
CM	Boys	0	#573	3	12,054
NG	Girls	0	#573	223	15,093
BO	Boys	0	#579	14	9,244
CL	Boys	0	#600	66	13,390
BD	Boys	0	#605	1	10,045
IL	Boys	0	#625	1	10,983
CO	Boys	0	#633	313	15,656
IN	Girls	0	#649	6	13,121
IQ	Boys	0	#697	1	13,071
SY		0	#711	18	11,684
Spain	Boys	0	#726	208	5,610
SG	Boys	0	#737	3	17,960
QA	Boys	0	#739	5	18,093
KW	Boys	0	#757	13	18,755
TN		0	#805	25	13,765
MY	Girls	0	#821	174	24,821
SA	Girls	0	#829	107	25,931
PE	Boys	0	#842	37	14,506
OM	Boys	0	#868	14	17,948
United States	Boys	2023	#893	6	7,053
EG	Girls	0	#900	60	14,742
MX	Boys	0	#906	77	16,355
Germany	Boys	0	#936	17	5,697
NG	Boys	0	#940	12	16,906
NL	Boys	0	#941	11	5,873
IN	Boys	0	#1,032	8	16,750
MA		0	#1,064	65	20,986
AE	Boys	0	#1,140	4	22,615
DZ		0	#1,140	37	20,130
ZA	Boys	0	#1,148	31	25,619
MY	Boys	0	#1,174	9	25,439
TR		0	#1,176	36	19,440
IT	Boys	0	#1,421	51	10,046
SA	Boys	0	#1,600	15	28,008

Paula is popular in 92 countries — most recent births per country:

France

Norway

Ireland

Scotland, United Kingdom

Canada

Switzerland

Sweden

United States

Germany

Austria

Belgium

Brussels, Belgium

Wallonia, Belgium

Flanders, Belgium

New York City (Hispanic), United States

Austria

Germany

Spain

Finland

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