Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Paula originates from Latin, meaning 'small' or 'humble'. It has evolved through various forms over time and is associated with traits of kindness and humility. While not directly biblical, it relates to the significant figure of Paul in Christianity. Paula remains a popular name today, recognized for its classic appeal.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈpɔːlə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Paula is derived from the Latin word 'paulus', which means 'small' or 'humble'. It was used in ancient Rome and has been carried into various cultures and languages over the centuries.
Meaning
small, humble
Language Evolution
Paulus (Latin), Paula (Latin), Paule (Old French), Paula (English)
Biblical Background
Paula is not directly mentioned in the Bible, but the masculine form, Paul, is a significant biblical figure.
Historical Usage
The name Paula gained popularity in the early Christian era, especially due to Saint Paul, and has remained in use throughout the centuries, particularly in Christian communities.
Variants & Derivatives
Paulette, Paula, Pawla
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Paula is viewed as a classic and timeless name. It carries connotations of warmth and friendliness.
Famous People
Paula Abdul, Paula Cole, Paula Radcliffe
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 10,178 peak births in 1963
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Rhode Island
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 6687th of 7545 | 10 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3083rd of 6773 | 111 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2037th of 7552 | 296 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2440th of 10718 | 251 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4538th of 16616 | 166 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 12877th of 24088 | 48 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 14409th of 23106 | 31 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 361st of 9107 | 6,018 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 158th of 9204 | 25,079 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 46th of 12526 | 151,529 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 75th of 19264 | 72,178 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 294th of 27321 | 14,398 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 669th of 35406 | 6,625 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 806th of 30306 | 4,061 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
81.26% 1912th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
74.55% 2127th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
49.75% 3143rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
27.90% 395th/1416 |
20.96% 289th/1379 |
15.81% 374th/2366 |
22.59% 258th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
9.70% 150th/1546 |
8.29% 129th/1556 |
8.33% 196th/2353 |
9.11% 141st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
2.33% 52nd/2227 |
2.02% 49th/2430 |
1.72% 49th/2853 |
1.77% 49th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
2.45% 72nd/2937 |
2.50% 87th/3483 |
1.76% 62nd/3518 |
2.42% 98th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
7.98% 294th/3685 |
6.75% 302nd/4475 |
5.20% 270th/5194 |
5.30% 335th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
21.02% 963rd/4582 |
13.13% 678th/5164 |
8.68% 635th/7313 |
7.80% 582nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
36.14% 1440th/3984 |
24.00% 1077th/4487 |
10.60% 723rd/6822 |
10.98% 689th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Rhode Island across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6687th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3083rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2037th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2440th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4538th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 12877th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 14409th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 361st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 158th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 46th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 75th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 294th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 669th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 806th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.