Paula: Name Meaning, Origin, History, And Popularity
An ancient name that embraces humility with grace.
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In This Article
- ❯Origin, Meaning, And History Of Paula
- ❯How To Pronounce Paula?
- ❯‘Paula’ In QR Code
- ❯Notable People Named Paula
- ❯Paula On The Popularity Chart
- ❯Popularity Over Time
- ❯Rank Over Time
- ❯Popularity Within US States
- ❯Paula Name's Presence On Social Media
- ❯Names With Similar Sound To Paula
- ❯Popular Sibling Names For Paula
- ❯Other Popular Names Beginning With P
- ❯Names With Similar Meaning As Paula
- ❯Names Rhyming With Paula
- ❯Popular Songs On The Name Paula
- ❯Acrostic Poem On Paula
- ❯Adorable Nicknames For Paula
- ❯Paula’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
- ❯Paula’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
- ❯Paula Personality Traits As Per Numerology
- ❯Infographic: Know The Name Paula's Personality As Per Numerology
- ❯Paula In Different Languages
- ❯Paula In Fancy Fonts
- ❯Adorable ‘Paula’ Wallpapers To Share
- ❯How To Communicate The Name Paula In Sign Languages
- ❯Name Numerology For Paula
- ❯Baby Name Lists Containing Paula
- ❯Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Paula
- ❯Frequently Asked Questions
- ❯Look Up For Many More Names
- ❯Phonemic Representation Of Paula
- Community Experiences
Origin, Meaning, And History Of Paula
Paula is a feminine given name derived from the Roman surname Paulus or the name Paul which translates to ‘humble’ or ‘small’ in Latin. As a surname, Paula is said to be a shortened form of the personal name Francisco de Paula, given after Saint Francis of Paola.
Its parent derivative Paul is the name of one of the most significant Christian missionaries to have lived according to the New Testament of the Bible. Paul initially went by Saul and was a Roman Jewish citizen. His transformation as a christian happened when Jesus Christ confronted him about his actions. He later became a revered Christian missionary across the Eastern Mediterranean.
Paula has a legacy dating back to the ancient era. Saint Paula, a Roman born into royalty in the fourth century, dedicated her life to serving the poor. She lived in St. Jerome’s time and traveled with him. Nowadays, Croatia, Chile, Austria, Spain, and Catalonia are among the many places where the name Paula is quite common. It is also used as a given name in German, English, Estonian, Spanish, Portuguese, Finnish, Catalan, Hungarian, Polish, Dutch, Romanian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Croatian languages.
Paula came to be most commonly used in the US in the 19th century. Some prominent variants of this name include Pavla in Czech, Paule, and Paulette in French, Paola in Italian, Pàula in Sardinian, Pála in Icelandic, and Pavla in Slovene.
It is also a popular name in pop culture. For example, Paula Thackery is a fictitious character that often appears in the American sitcom television series Charles in Charge and is portrayed by Julianne McNamara. Another character by the name is Paula Jones from EarthBound, the Super Nintendo video game where she is one of the protagonists.
Paula
Girl
Christianity
Latin
6
Two
1 word, 5 letters, 3 vowels, 2 consonants
Short and easy to pronounce
How To Pronounce Paula?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Paula in English.
‘Paula’ In QR Code
Here's a unique feature for the modern, tech-savvy, and curious parents – have your baby's name in a QR code. If you want your close circle to know your newborn's name, all you need to do is simply scan and share it. The code not only shows the name but its meaning as well; this means you don't have to painfully explain the meaning of your baby's name anymore! So, go ahead. Download, save, and share it with your family and friends, or use it to create personalized keepsakes for your little one.
Notable People Named Paula
This section covers people who have made the name Paula famous with their contributions in various fields. It indeed is a little more inspiration for you to choose the name for your baby, don’t you think?
- Paula AbdulAmerican singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and television personality
- Paula PattonActress and Producer
- Paula RadcliffeLong-distance runner
- Paula DeenAmerican TV personality and cooking show host
- Paula CreamerProfessional golfer
- Paula Julie AbdulAmerican singer, dancer, and actress, best-known for her album Forever Your Girl, which consists of several number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
- Paula Fernandes de SouzaBrazilian singer and songwriter, famous for receiving a Latin Grammy Award for notable work in the album Amanhecer
Paula On The Popularity Chart
The name Paula was quite popular in the late 80s, but it has been declining in the baby charts. Check the graphs by the Social Security Administration to know more.
Popularity Over Time
As the name has been falling off the charts, Paula is currently shared by only 336 babies per million in the US.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
Similar to its popularity, Pula has been decreasing in ranking as well. As of 2021, the name is positioned at 821st rank, and its highest was in 1980 at 173rd.
Source: Social Security AdministrationPopularity Within US States
If you're living in the US, you might be curious about the popularity of Paula in your own state, a state you're considering moving to, or one with which you have a connection. Use the drop-down menu below to select any US state and discover the name's popularity within that region.
California
Texas
Florida
Source: Social Security AdministrationPaula Name’s Presence On Social Media
Before you finalize your baby’s name, you would want to assess if the name is rare or popular. Digital footprint of the name - it’s presence on the internet and social media platforms - can provide you with valuable insights on it’s popularity. A name’s online presence is an important metric for new parents to evaluate their options and make an informed choice. How many people are searching the name on Google, how many profiles are there on Facebook, does the name have a Wikipedia page? Such information surely tells you if the name is ubiquitous or unique. Here is how Paula fares on that count.
Names With Similar Sound To Paula
If you are looking to explore more names that sound like Paula, here are some suggestions.
Popular Sibling Names For Paula
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Paula, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Paula
Find matching brother names for Paula and create a wonderful team of siblings.
PalikaGirl Sibling Names For Paula
Looking for some suitable sister names for Paula? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
PalapalaOther Popular Names Beginning With P
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter P to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Paula
If you want a name that means the same as Paula but sounds different? Take a look at the options listed below.
Names Rhyming With Paula
The significance of rhyming names extends beyond their aesthetic appeal and a good feel. The repetition and symmetry enhance their memorability. If you want your children’s names to be easily remembered or tune with your name, try some rhyming names. Here are such names that rhyme with Paula.
Popular Songs On The Name Paula
Acrostic Poem On Paula
Dive into the lyrical charm of the name Paula with this acrostic poem. Witness how each letter paints together a story, capturing the name’s individuality, strength, vitality, and sophistication. Inspiring, is it? Why not try a similar poem that describes what you think of your baby’s personality?
Promising mind painting a picture with pure passion.
Angelic and divine, a little beacon of light.
Unleashing victory wherever you go.
Lifting the dark clouds in our life, our little sunshine.
Aspiring and working hard for true success.
Adorable Nicknames For Paula
Nicknames are an integral part of your communication with your baby. You tend to use several variations of your child’s name; some are meaningful, while others are simply adorable sounds. Here are a few nicknames you can begin with for the name Paula.
- Pau
- Paulie
- Pauly
- Paulina
- Paulita
Paula’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
Western astrology includes the construction of a horoscope based on the person’s exact time of birth and location to understand the positions of the planet, stars, and zodiac signs at that time. However, in popular culture, it is often narrowed down to the sun sign, which depends on the person’s birth date.There are 12 zodiac signs, each having dominant traits, planetary rulers, elemental connection, and more.
Zodiac sign or Sun sign
The Earth’s orbit around the sun is divided into 12 zodiac signs covering 30-degree sectors. According to Western astrology, the zodiac or sun sign depends on the sun’s position in one of these sectors at the time of your birth. Starting from the sun’s position at the March equinox, the chart goes anti-clockwise from Aries, followed by Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. These signs are ruled by planetary bodies - Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Furthermore, they are categorized into triplicities or elemental signs - fire, water, air, and earth - that govern their characteristics. Each of these zodiac signs features certain personality traits that may determine how a person presents themselves.
Why the date of birth matters
Each zodiac sign in Western astrology is linked to a specific range of dates in the year. Unlike Vedic astrology, where names can sometimes be used to infer astrological details, Western astrology relies entirely on the birth date.
To know more about your baby’s zodiac sign, choose the period in which your baby’s date of birth falls, from the options given below. This will give you a glimpse into the world of astrology tailored for your baby.
Select your baby’s birthdate range
Mar 21 – Apr 19
Apr 20 – May 20
May 21 – Jun 20
Jun 21 – Jul 22
Jul 23 – Aug 22
Aug 23 – Sep 22
Sep 23 – Oct 22
Oct 23 – Nov 21
Nov 22 – Dec 21
Dec 22 – Jan 19
Jan 20 – Feb 18
Feb 19 – Mar 20
Paula’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology, also called Jyotisha, provides deep insights into a person’s life based on celestial positions at birth. Rashi and nakshatra, which are an integral part of Jyotisha, are believed to influence an individual’s personality and life events. The following sections give you rashi-related information, such as the associated letters, elements, ruling body, quality, and nakshatra for the name Paula. These details help analyze a person’s characteristics, personality, and behavior.
Zodiac Sign (Rashi)
As shown in the following table, each rashi is associated with specific sounds, which are often used as the starting letters of names for newborns in Hindu families. Each rashi is represented by a figure and one of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space). One ruling celestial body, known as its 'rashi lord' or 'ruler' is assigned to these rashis. These bodies include Venus, Mars, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn. Furthermore, the rashis are assigned various qualities or gunas.
Rashi (zodiac sign) | Kanya (Virgo) |
---|---|
Starting letters for Kanya (Virgo) rashi | P, THA |
Representation | Virgin girl |
Element | Earth |
Ruling body | Mercury |
Quality | Dual |
Birth Star (Nakshatra)
Another important aspect of Vedic Astrology is the nakshatras, the lunar constellations or star clusters that the Moon occupies during a person's birth. There are 27 nakshatras, each with its own unique qualities, attributes, and symbolism. Each rashi contains two-and-one-fourth nakshatras in it. For example, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and Krithika nakshatras.
The below table provides information on the nakshatras’ degrees on the zodiac circle, their lords and related syllables, for babies born in the Kanya (Virgo) rashi. These syllables/phonetics are popularly used to choose the baby name. For precise nakshatra calculation based on your baby's birthplace and date, use our Nakshatra Calculator.
Nakshatra | Degrees Of The Nakshatra | Nakshatra Lord (Ruler) | Name Syllables |
---|---|---|---|
Uttara Phalguni (Uthiram, Utram) | Virgo (0 to 10 degrees) | Sun | Te, Ta, Taa, To, Pa, Paa, Pi, Pee |
Hastha (Atham, Hastam) | Virgo (10 to 23.20 degrees) | Moon | Pu, Sha, Shaa, Na, Poo, Tha |
Chitra (Chitta, Chithira) | Virgo (23.20 to 30 degrees) | Mars | Pe, Po, Ra, Raa, Ri, Ree |
Paula Personality Traits As Per Numerology
The numerology belief system envisages a relationship between a name and numbers. The related numbers are believed to give insights into a person’s character. We have researched this area to connect the numerology-based characteristic traits to the letters of the English alphabet. And the results are fascinating.
Numerology followers believe that each letter signifies attributes that can influence a person’s attitude and approach. Among these placements, the most significant are the first letter (Cornerstone) and the last letter (Capstone) of a name. Cornerstone highlights your primary personality traits and explains how you face challenges and opportunities in life. Capstone can tell you about your approach to work and how you complete them. Often, a letter may be repeated twice or more in a name. This repetition signifies the intensification or amplification of the traits associated with the letter in an individual’s personality.
Read to know what characteristics the name Paula is known for in numerology. Here we have avoided repetition of letters and added them just once for a better reading experience.
PYou are knowledgeable, wise, and determined. You are pretty intuitive and have an intellectual mindset..
AYou are ambitious, brave, and independent. You tend to be dominating and seek power and status.
UYou are sincere, responsible, and caring. You enjoy domesticity and humanitarian work.
LYou are talented, expressive, and imaginative. You have a magnetic personality and enjoy artistic pursuits.
AYou are persistent and deliver on your promises. You are confident in leading projects and can work independently.
Infographic: Know The Name Paula‘s Personality As Per Numerology
Paula In Different Languages
It’s exciting to see our baby’s name spelled and written in various languages. See how people spell Paula in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more! Each language has its own way of saying Paula, but it’s still the same special name. Learn how the name looks and sounds in different languages around the world!
Name | Language | Code |
---|---|---|
Paula | English | en |
宝拉 | Chinese | zh-CN |
पाउला | Hindi | hi |
Paula | Spanish | es |
Paula | French | fr |
باولا | Arabic | ar |
পলা | Bengali | bn |
Paula | Portuguese | pt |
Паула | Russian | ru |
پاؤلا | Urdu | ur |
Paula | Indonesian | id |
Paula | German | de |
ポーラ | Japanese | ja |
पाउला | Marathi | mr |
పౌలా | Telugu | te |
Paula | Turkish | tr |
பாலா | Tamil | ta |
Paula | Vietnamese | vi |
Paula | Tagalog | tl |
폴라 | Korean | ko |
Paula | Hausa | ha |
Paula | Swahili | sw |
Paula | Javanese | jv |
Paula | Italian | it |
ਪੌਲਾ | Punjabi | pa |
પૌલા | Gujarati | gu |
พอลล่า | Thai | th |
ಪೌಲಾ | Kannada | kn |
ፓውላ | Amharic | am |
पाउला | Bhojpuri | bho |
Paula | Yoruba | yo |
Paula In Fancy Fonts
Visualize your little one’s name in different captivating fonts. You can use these fancy styles on birth announcement cards, nursery decorations, personalized gifts, to name a few. Select the perfect font from these options for a touch of personalization.
- Double Struck Fontℙ 𝕒 𝕦 𝕝 𝕒
- Bold Script Font𝓟 𝓪 𝓾 𝓵 𝓪
- Fancy Style 35 Fontp α u レ α
- Fancy Style 7 FontƤ Δ Ữ Ł Δ
- Love FontP♥ a♥ u♥ l♥ a♥
- Black Square Font🅿 🅰 🆄 🅻 🅰
- Hand Writing 2 FontP α υ ʅ α
- X Above Bellow FontP͓̽ a͓̽ u͓̽ l͓̽ a͓̽
Liked our fancy fonts for Paula? Why not go a step forward with these beautiful posters? They are perfect to download and use as display pictures or social media posts! You may also use them as part of decorating your child’s room. These personalized wallpapers celebrate the positive vibes of the name, offering a unique way to show how much this name means to you. What’s more! You have multiple options here to choose depending on your mood or occasion.
Paula 3D Wallpaper
Paula Birthday Wallpaper
‘I Love Paula’ Wallpaper
Stylish Paula Wallpaper
Paula Name Initial Wallpaper
How To Communicate The Name Paula In Sign Languages
In Nautical Flags
Paula
In Sign Language
Paula
In Braille Alphabet
Paula
In Morse Code
Paula
In Barcode
In Binary
01010000 01100001 01110101 01101100 01100001
Name Numerology For Paula
Numerology is an occult system that gives significance to numbers and their influence on human life and destiny. Numerologists attribute specific qualities, energies, and characteristics to a number. Parents who believe in numerology prefer to choose baby names that resonate positively with the child’s unique numerical vibrations, often derived from their date of birth. Here we give a general birth number and personality traits of the name Paula, based on the Pythagorean (Western) system. This analysis will differ from child to child based on their date of birth. You may use our numerology calculator for more personalized information.
Destiny Number
You are meant to love and care for your near and dear ones. You will cater to the needs of others and helping them will give you peace, beauty, and harmony in life.
Personality Number
You are dynamic, efficient, capable and controlled. You are often a leader and use your unique approach to doing things. You are motivating and inspiring with a strong sense of purpose while egotistical at times.
Soul Number
You are versatile, adaptable, and have a natural enthusiasm. Attracted towards fast-paced and unusual life. You always urge to travel distances and thrive on the variety of experiences.
Baby Name Lists Containing Paula
Read through our baby name lists that include the name Paula and several other similar names. The wider the choice, the better your selection. Isn't it?
- Baby Girl Names With Meanings›
- Baby Girl Names That Start With Letter P›
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- Latin Baby Names Starting With Letter P›
- Christianity Baby Names With Meanings›
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- Christianity Baby Girl Names, Starting With Letter P›
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- 200 Most Popular Mexican Baby Names For Girls And Boys›
- 51 James Bond-Inspired Names For Your Baby Girl›
- 55 Most Popular Chilean Baby Names for Girls and Boys›
- 110 Fantastic And Unique Vintage Girl Names, With Meanings›
Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Paula
Discover the presence of Paula in an array of films. Know about the various movies that have this name.
Movie title | Other titles | Release year |
---|---|---|
Quem Matou Laura Paula | 2022 | |
Paula Rego, Secrets & Stories | Paula Rego, Histórias & Segredos, Paula Rego, Secrets & Stories | 2017 |
Paula | Ana Kalbi, El secreto de Paula, Någon att leva för, Paola, Pasión maternal, Paula - Mein Leben soll ein Fest sein, Paula, Coração de Mãe, Paula: Mi vida será una fiesta, Poikani Davey, The Mother, The Silent Voice, Wunder geschehen durch Liebe, Паула, 宝拉 | 2016 |
The Adventures of Pepper and Paula | Die Abenteuer von Pepper & Paula, Pepper & Me | 2015 |
Voll Paula! | 5 Stories in 4 Days | 2015 |
The Adventures of Paula Peril | 2014 | |
Paula Peril: Midnight Is the Darkest Hour | 2008 | |
Paula's Secret | Le secret de Paula, Paula titka, Paulas Geheimnis | 2006 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Paula?
The name Paula means ‘humble’ or ‘small.’
2. What is the origin of the name Paula?
Paula has a Latin origin.
3. How to pronounce the name Paula?
Paula is pronounced as pau-la.
4. Is Paula a common or popular name?
Paula can be considered a fairly common name in the US. According to data provided by the Social Security Administration, the name stood at rank 801 in 2022, marking its spot among the Top 1000 names in the U.S. During the same year, the name had 349 babies using the name.
5. Is Paula an old and religious name?
Paula is not considered an old name in terms of being ancient or archaic since it is a name with enduring popularity. But the name has a long history of usage. It was borne by Saint Paula of Rome during the second and third centuries, who was a companion of Saint Jerome. The name may have religious significance since it is the feminine form of the name Paul, an important religious leader in the Bible and the author of several New Testament epistles.
6. What are some middle name options that go well with Paula?
The name Paula carries the connotation of ‘humble.’ Thus, to find a matching pair, you may consider these name suggestions carrying the meaning of either ‘girl’ or ‘woman’ to have a combined name meaning ‘humble woman.’ The names include Nina, Colleen, Cynthia, Ece, and Rhian.
7. What is an interesting fact or trivia about the name Paula?
The name Paula is the title of a memoir written by Chilean writer Isabelle Allende. She penned down the most tragic experiences of her life, which is perceived as a tribute to her departed daughter, Paula Frías Allende.
References
- Astrology, Hermes (2023); Astrology for Beginners.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370635414_Astrology_for_Beginners - Shirley Lawrence; The Secret Science of Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Numbers and Letters.
https://www.academia.edu/97492675/The_Secret_Science_of_Numerology_The_Hidden_Meaning_of_Numbers_and_Letters_Shirley_Lawrence&nav_from=a3c5c3fd-555f-4584-b66d-4a3c8023402e&rw_pos=0 - Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia; “zodiac”; Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/zodiac - P.V.R. Narasimha Rao; Vedic Astrology: An Integrated Approach.
https://www.vedicastrologer.org/articles/vedic_astro_textbook.pdf - Paulo Martins; A Concise History of Hindu Astrology and Indian Spirituality; Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
https://www.saspublishers.com/media/articles/SJAHSS_112_33-36_FT_MAEgJAB.pdf - Baby names.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - International Phonetic Association.
https://www.internationalphoneticassociation.org/ - Adam Szczegielniak; Phonetics: The Sounds of Language; Harvard University.
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/adam/files/phonetics.ppt.pdf - Lalita K. Wani et al; Review of Scientific Analysis Of Sacred Sound OM (AUM); Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), Novermber 2020.
https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2011207.pdf
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
Phonemic Representation Of Paula
Phonemics is the study of a language’s distinctive sound units (phonemes), as standardized by the International Phonetics Association. When choosing a name for your baby, knowing its phonemic pronunciation gives an idea about the name’s sound pattern and auditory appeal. You can assess the name’s ease of pronunciation, memorability, and softness. Here is the phonemic transcription of Paula in American and British accents.
- In American English: /ˈpɔlə/
- In British English: /ˈpɔːlə/
Pronunciation of names, in fact, any spoken word, involves the participation of various parts of the mouth, vocal cord, nose, and lungs. Underneath all the sounds we make is the airstream flowing from the lungs and moving up to the mouth. It’s incredible how lips, tongue, teeth, alveolar ridge, palate, glottis, and larynx work harmoniously to bring out the words. Studies have proved that positive sounds like OM (AUM) help maintain hormonal balance and mental health and reduce stress and anxiety. So, what parts does Paula trigger? Find the details here; the sound of Paula might bring in more positive vibes into your life!
Phoneme | Articulation |
---|---|
/p/ | Bringing both lips together. Airflow stops for a fraction of a second |
/ɔ/ | Tongue mid back, rounded lips. Airflow is continuous |
/l/ | Raising the tongue tip while keeping the rest of the tongue down. Causes some obstruction of the airstream in the mouth |
/ə/ | Tongue mid. Airflow is continuous |
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