Paula: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are celebratory traditions, particularly popular in Catholic and Orthodox countries, honoring the saint or event associated with a person's name. The name Paula, rooted in Latin tradition, has a rich historical trajectory in the USA and beyond. Its classical origin imparts the meaning of "small" or "humble," contributing to its reliable and elegant mood. Paula is commemorated through numerous name days across Europe, including dates like January 20th in Germany and June 22nd in Sweden. These varied celebrations highlight the name's broad geographical appeal and enduring importance.
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 a consistent, though fluctuating, presence in the USA throughout the 20th century. Its popularity peaked significantly during the 1940s and 1950s, becoming a classic name of that generation. While it has seen a gentle decline since its mid-century height, Paula remains a recognizable choice among traditional names. In recent decades, it is often viewed as a solid, enduring option rather than a trending modern selection. This historical familiarity ensures its continued, albeit less frequent, use across various American states.
Name origin and meaning
The name Paula is derived from the Latin masculine name Paulus, making it a distinctly classical feminine derivative. It is rooted in the Latin adjective *paulus*, which translates directly to "small," "humble," or "little." As a feminine form, it carries the implied meaning of a diminutive or modest nature. This ancient Roman lineage gives the name a sense of historical weight and graceful simplicity. Across many European and Romance languages, the sound and structure of Paula are widely utilized and recognized.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Paula is overwhelmingly recognized globally as a distinctly feminine given name. It functions as the standard female counterpart to the male name Paul in many Western cultures. In Spanish, Portuguese, and German-speaking regions, for instance, it is almost exclusively assigned to girls. While many classical names have male or unisex variants, Paula firmly maintains its identity as a female identifier. In the modern context, this name’s gender classification is reliably and consistently feminine across Europe and the Americas.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Paula carries a sophisticated and distinctly classic tone, evoking a sense of enduring elegance. It has a smooth, melodic cadence that feels grounded and easily approachable. The overall vibe is often perceived as sensible, strong, and reliably feminine without being overly ornate. This name suggests a personality that is both traditional and quietly capable. It avoids overly trendy connotations, positioning it as a timeless and assured choice.
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 Classic and Enduring Name
Paula is a reliably female name characterized by its elegant and sophisticated mood, derived from the Latin word for "small" or "humble." Historically popular in the USA mid-century, its usage today reflects a preference for timeless classics over modern trends. Its enduring familiarity makes it a traditional and sturdy choice globally. The wide recognition of Paula is further underscored by its numerous name day celebrations, occurring throughout the year in countries such as Austria, Poland, and the USA. Ultimately, Paula stands as a strong, concise choice bridging classical roots with modern applicability.
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!
