Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Paola
GirlItalian, Latin· “small”
- Meaning
- small
- Origin
- Italian, Latin
- Pronunciation
- pah-OH-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,260
- US babies 2025
- 178
- Best rank
- #301 (1999)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Paola
Paola is an Italian and Latin name that means “small”.
Paola is the Italian feminine form of Paolo, which comes from the Latin Paulus, meaning small or humble. The apostle Paul spread the name across the Christian world, and Paola is also borne in honor of Saint Paula of Rome, a fourth-century friend of Saint Jerome. The name is widely used in Italy and throughout Latin America. In the United States it is familiar in Latino and Italian families. It is soft and musical, with three syllables in Italian and often two in quick speech. Paula is the English and Spanish equivalent.
Popularity over time
Paola first appears in US Social Security records in 1950. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 40 different years, starting in 1983. Its best national rank was #301 in 1999, and the most babies received it in 2006, when 1,089 were named Paola. In 2025, 178 babies were named Paola, and it ranked #1,260 nationally. That is 54% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,900 in 1950, #1,469 in 1980, #320 in 2000, #454 in 2010, and #1,260 in 2025. Of the 24,496 US girls named Paola since records began, 40% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 6,377 babies. Since 2010, 5,705 more have been named Paola.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Estrella, Danica, Anahi, Kiera, and Yasmin.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Paola ranked highest in Florida, Texas, and Kentucky.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #580 | 31 |
| Texas | #775 | 39 |
| Kentucky | #840 | 5 |
| California | #875 | 34 |
| Illinois | #1096 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Paola is usually pronounced pah-OH-luh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with P and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Paola
A few middle names that flow with Paola: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Paola
Similar names
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Lists that include Paola
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Paola mean?
Paola is an Italian and Latin name that means “small”.
What is the origin of the name Paola?
Paola has Italian and Latin roots. Paola is the Italian feminine form of Paolo, which comes from the Latin Paulus, meaning small or humble.
Is Paola a popular name?
Not especially. Paola ranked #1,260 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Paola a boy or girl name?
Paola is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Paola?
Paola is usually pronounced pah-OH-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings