Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Paula
GirlLatin· “small”
- Meaning
- small
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- PAW-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #855
- US babies 2025
- 318
- Best rank
- #38 (1954)
- Peak year
- 1963
Meaning and origin of Paula
Paula is a Latin name that means “small”.
Paula is the feminine form of Paul, from the Roman family name Paulus, meaning small or humble. Saint Paula was a wealthy Roman widow of the fourth century who followed Saint Jerome to Bethlehem, where she founded monasteries and supported his work on the Latin translation of the Bible. The name has been used for centuries in Spain, Portugal, Germany and Poland as well as in the English-speaking world, and it was especially common in the United States in the mid-twentieth century. Related names include Pauline, Paulina and Paulette.
Popularity over time
Paula has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #38 in 1954, and the most babies received it in 1963, when 10,156 were named Paula. In 2025, 318 babies were named Paula, and it ranked #855 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #354 in 1920, #54 in 1950, #173 in 1980, #574 in 2000, #815 in 2010, and #855 in 2025. Of the 280,856 US girls named Paula since records began, 30% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 80,512 babies. Since 2010, 5,423 more have been named Paula.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Maria, Laurie, Sherry, Sheila, and Jacqueline.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Paula ranked highest in Texas, Connecticut, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #433 | 78 |
| Connecticut | #531 | 6 |
| Arizona | #566 | 12 |
| Florida | #594 | 30 |
| New Jersey | #654 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Paula over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Paula is usually pronounced PAW-luh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with P and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Paula
A few middle names that flow with Paula: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Paula
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Lists that include Paula
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Paula mean?
Paula is a Latin name that means “small”.
What is the origin of the name Paula?
Paula has Latin roots. Paula is the feminine form of Paul, from the Roman family name Paulus, meaning small or humble.
Is Paula a popular name?
Yes. Paula ranked #855 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Paula a boy or girl name?
Paula is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Paula over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Paula?
Paula is usually pronounced PAW-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