A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Paula since 1880
Babies named Paula per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 178 |
| 1890s | 424 |
| 1900s | 666 |
| 1910s | 2,022 |
| 1920s | 4,554 |
| 1930s | 8,861 |
| 1940s | 39,044 |
| 1950s | 84,869 |
| 1960s | 80,512 |
| 1970s | 32,724 |
| 1980s | 11,072 |
| 1990s | 6,330 |
| 2000s | 4,177 |
| 2010s | 3,310 |
| 2020s | 2,113 |
Meaning & origin
Paula first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and experienced its greatest popularity in the mid-20th century. It peaked at rank 55 in 1963 during the baby boom era, when it was favored by families in Connecticut, Texas, and Arizona. After declining for decades, the name has been rising again since 2014, reflecting a broader revival of 1960s names. Though currently only 1 in 5,054 newborns receives the name, its steady climb suggests a quiet comeback.
Paula is the feminine form of Paulus, a Latin family name meaning 'small' or 'humble'. The name was borne by several early Christian saints, including Saint Paula of Rome, a 4th-century noblewoman and disciple of Saint Jerome. It became common across Europe through the spread of Christianity.
Where Paula is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Paula” around the world
Where Paula lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
150
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Paula
Names that share Paula's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Paula
Names whose popularity has moved with Paula's over the last 50 years.
