Paula: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are traditional celebrations marking the feast day of a saint after whom a person is named. The name Paula, renowned for its global popularity and classic mood, has roots tracing back to the Latin term for "small" or "humble." As a distinctly feminine name, Paula achieved peak usage in the mid-20th century, maintaining a sophisticated presence across the world. For those named Paula, this important celebration occurs across many dates depending on location. Paula is particularly celebrated on January 26th in numerous countries, including the USA, Austria, and Poland.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Paula's name day is celebrated
on January 20 in Germany,
January 25 in Spain,
January 26 in Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Spain and the USA,
February 10 in Latvia,
March 22 in Norway,
June 3 in Poland,
June 11 in Austria,
June 18 in Poland and
June 22 in Estonia, Finland and Sweden.
The Story Behind This Name
The name Paula has maintained significant popularity across the globe, especially in European and Latin American countries. In the United States, Paula reached its peak usage during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. While usage has decreased since its peak, it remains a well-recognized and classic feminine choice. Historically, Paula is noted as the feminine form of Paul, and it spread widely due to early Christian influence throughout the Roman Empire. Its widespread adoption in countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Germany underscores its international appeal. The name experienced various localized revivals in different parts of the world throughout the last century.
Name origin and meaning
The name Paula is directly derived from the Latin masculine name Paulus. Paulus itself is rooted in the Latin adjective *paulus*, which translates to "small," "humble," or "little." As the feminine variation, Paula shares this core meaning of being small or modest. This name was widely adopted across Europe following the spread of Christianity, as it was a popular name among early saints and figures. It is considered a deeply classical name, maintaining a strong connection to ancient Roman tradition.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Paula is overwhelmingly recognized as a female given name throughout the world. It functions as the standard feminine counterpart to the masculine name Paul in English and German-speaking regions. In Spanish and Portuguese, it serves as the feminine variation of Pablo or Paulo, respectively. There are virtually no recorded instances of Paula being used regularly as a male or unisex name in modern naming conventions. Therefore, it is strongly classified as a traditional and distinctly feminine name across all major cultures where it is used.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Paula carries an inherently classic and sophisticated mood due to its long historical usage. It projects an image that is grounded, mature, and deeply reliable. The rhythm of the name suggests elegance without being overly delicate, offering a strong and clear presence. Its smooth syllables contribute to a gentle yet firm personality vibe, making it feel approachable and warm. Paula evokes a tone of timeless grace and traditional femininity.
A Name’s Journey Through Languages
Paula - English (Standard form)
Paula - Spanish (Common and widely used)
Paula - German (Traditional and unchanged)
Paola - Italian (Softened vowel sound)
Paule - French (Less common, older variation)
Pálma - Hungarian (Distinct local adaptation)
Pavla - Czech (Slavic influence)
Pavla - Slovak (Same as Czech)
Pola - Polish (Shortened variant)
Pauliina - Finnish (Longer, Finnish-specific form)
Notable and famous people: Paula
Paula Abdul – American singer, dancer, and TV personality.
Paula Radcliffe – British long-distance running world champion.
Paula Patton – American actress known for *Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol*.
Paula Cole – American singer-songwriter, famous for *Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?*
Paula Hawkins – British author of *The Girl on the Train*.
Paula Prentiss – American actress known for 1960s comedy films.
Paula Deen – American celebrity chef and TV personality.
Paula Vesala – Finnish singer, songwriter, and actress.
Paula Fernandes – Brazilian country music singer and songwriter.
Paula Zahn – American journalist and TV news anchor.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Paula
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 6 – The Nurturer.
Keywords: Responsibility, family, love, service, harmony, compassion.
Positive Traits: Caring, nurturing, protective, supportive, artistic.
Challenges: Can be overbearing, self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
Life Path Meaning: A role centered around caregiving, relationships, and artistic pursuits.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 1 - The Leader.
Traits: Independent, ambitious, innovative, self-motivated, determined.
Strengths: Natural-born leader, confident, strong-willed, courageous.
Challenges: Can be stubborn, impatient, or overly self-focused.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Venus - Love, Beauty, Harmony.
Venus rules love, beauty, and relationships, making names influenced by this planet exude charm, grace, and artistic sensibilities. Those with Venus-ruled names are often aesthetically inclined, diplomatic, and naturally attractive in their demeanor. They appreciate harmony in their surroundings and relationships, often seeking balance and fairness in all aspects of life.
Name days: Name Paula
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Germany | January | 20 | Fabian, Paula, Sebastian |
 Spain | January | 25 | Elvira, Paula, Timoteo |
 Austria | January | 26 | Paula, Timotheus, Titus |
 Croatia | January | 26 | Paula, Timotej, Tit, Tonka |
 Hungary | January | 26 | Paula, Vanda |
 Poland | January | 26 | Paula, Paulina, Polikarp, Skarbimir, Wanda |
| Spain | January | 26 | Gonzalo, Paula, Tito |
 USA | January | 26 | Aubrey, Conan, Coner, Conner, Connor, Conor, Gonzalo, Paola, Paula, Paulette, Paulina, Pauline |
 Latvia | February | 10 | Paula, Paulina, Pauline |
 Norway | March | 22 | Paula, Pauline |
| Poland | June | 3 | Cecyliusz, Ferdynand, Klotylda, Konstantyn, Laurencjusz, Laurentyn, Laurentyna, Leszek, Paula, Tamara, Wawrzyniec |
| Austria | June | 11 | Alice, Barnabas, Paula |
| Poland | June | 18 | Efrem, Elżbieta, Gerwazy, Leonia, Marek, Marina, Paula |
 Estonia | June | 22 | Liina, Liine, Paula, Pauliine |
 Finland | June | 22 | Liina, Paula, Pauliina |
 Sweden | June | 22 | Paula, Paulina |
Name days: Similar names (Paula)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
Paula A Timeless Global Classic
Overall, Paula is a timeless feminine name originating from the Latin word for "small" or "humble." Its history shows high periods of popularity globally, especially in Europe and the Americas, lending it a classic and grounded mood. Functioning exclusively as a female identifier, Paula conveys an aura of reliable sophistication. The name is widely recognized in Christian traditions, leading to numerous celebrated name days throughout the calendar year. Key observance dates for Paula include January 26th across multiple international regions.
When Is Your Name Day?
Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!
