The name Paula is of Latin origin and means "small" or "humble." It is a feminine given name that has been popular throughout history.
Paula was originally used as a diminutive form of the Roman family name Paulus, which itself comes from the Latin word for "little." The name became popular through its association with Saint Paul the Apostle, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. Saint Paul was born Saul and later adopted the name Paul after his conversion on the road to Damascus.
The name Paula first appeared as a Christian given name in the 2nd century AD. It was given to a prominent early Christian woman named Paula the Elder, who was a wealthy Roman widow and the founder of several convents. Her daughter, Saint Paula the Younger, also became a notable figure in early Christianity and was one of the earliest known nuns.
Throughout history, many other notable figures have borne the name Paula. These include Paula Modersohn-Becker, a German Expressionist painter who is considered one of the most important artists of her time; Paula Principle, an American actress who was active in the silent film era; and Paula Radcliffe, a British long-distance runner who holds several world records.
Today, Paula remains a popular given name around the world. It is often used as a stand-alone name but can also be used as a diminutive form of other names such as Pauline or Paulina. Some popular variations of the name include Polly, Paule, and Poula. Despite its humble meaning, the name Paula has been associated with strength, courage, and achievement throughout history.
The name Paula has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States. From 1880 to 1956, the number of births with the name Paula remained relatively low, ranging from 6 to 9 births per year during the late 19th century, with some fluctuations reaching up to 47 births in 1896.
However, beginning in 1952, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name. The number of Paula births skyrocketed from 8566 in 1952 to an impressive peak of 10150 births in 1963. This trend continued until 1972 when the number of Paula births began to decline.
Over the next two decades, the popularity of the name Paula steadily decreased, dropping from 4259 births in 1972 to a low of 1328 births in 1982. Despite this significant decrease, the name remained relatively stable for the remainder of the century, with annual birth counts ranging between approximately 800 and 1600.
Entering the 21st century, the popularity of the name Paula continued to fluctuate but showed a slight resurgence after a consistent decline. The lowest point in recent years was reached in 2014 with only 267 births recorded. Since then, however, there has been a gradual increase in the number of Paula births, reaching 349 in 2022 and an even higher figure of 400 births in 2023.
In conclusion, while the name Paula has experienced periods of popularity and decline over the years in the United States, it remains a recognizable and enduring choice for parents. Its recent resurgence suggests that the name continues to hold appeal for new generations of parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaning.