Holding steady.
Popularity of Petula since 1965
Babies named Petula per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 117 |
| 1970s | 62 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Petula is a rare and melodic name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1965, coinciding with the international fame of British singer Petula Clark. Its popularity peaked in 1968, the year Clark performed a landmark duet with Harry Belafonte, yet even then the name remained uncommon. Since the 1960s its usage has been stable at very low levels; the most recent data from 2025 shows no significant resurgence. There are no recorded top states for the name, highlighting its scattered use. The etymology is debated, with some sources linking it to a Latin diminutive meaning 'little pet' while others consider it a fanciful modern coinage. Despite its rarity, Petula has a vintage charm that suits parents seeking a distinctive, musically associated name.
Petula is a name of uncertain origin, first recorded in the mid-20th century. It may be a feminine diminutive of the Latin word 'petere' (to seek) or 'pet' (as in a cherished animal), but more likely it was simply coined as a fanciful and melodic name. It gained prominence through the British singer Petula Clark (born 1932), though the name did not appear in U.S. records until 1965.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pet, Peta
Sibling names for Petula
Names that share Petula's style, for a brother or sister.
