Paola

Girl Name #1,081 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

Italian elegance with Latin American warmth

Italian Spanish Latin American

Elegant Traditional Sophisticated Classic Earthy

Meaning & Origin

"small, humble"

Origin: Latin

Language: Italian

"little one"

Origin: Latin Paulus

Language: Spanish

The Story of Paola

Paola is the Italian and Spanish feminine form of Paul (Paolo/Pablo), which derives from the Latin 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' The name entered European culture through Saint Paul the Apostle, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. Paola has been used consistently in Italy and Latin America for centuries and carries an effortlessly sophisticated European character.

Paola is consistently popular throughout Italy, Spain, and Latin America, where it regularly appears in national top-10 lists. In the United States, it has become common in Hispanic communities and is increasingly used by families seeking Italian-sounding names. It gained some mainstream notice through fashion designer Paola Frani and TV personality Paola Turbay.

Paola is a thoroughly Italian and Latin name with roots in Christianity through Saint Paula, a 4th-century Roman noblewoman and companion to Saint Jerome who founded monasteries in Bethlehem. The name embodies the Italian tradition of names that are both deeply religious and supremely elegant.

Fun Facts

Paola Turbay, Miss Colombia 1991 and actress, brought the name to American television audiences
In Italy, August 26 is the feast day of Saint Paula the Roman
Paola is one of the few names used identically in both Italian and Spanish without modification

Paola in Other Languages

Latin Paula

French Paule

Italian Paola

Spanish Paola

Portuguese Paola

Famous People Named Paola

Paola Egonu

Athlete

1998

Italian volleyball player widely considered one of the greatest in the world; serves as a powerful voice on diversity in...

Italian volleyball player widely considered one of the greatest in the world; serves as a powerful voice on diversity in sport

Paula Patton

Actor

1975

American actress known for Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol and Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines video

Paola Turbay

Actor

1970

Colombian actress and former Miss Colombia who appeared on Beverly Hills 90210 and other American TV series

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #1,081
Total SSA Count: 229
Cultural Origins: Italian Spanish Latin American
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Pao Pola

Pairs Well With

Paola Grace Paola Marie Paola Sofia Paola Valentina Paola Rosa Paola Isabella Paola Elena

Sibling Names

Sofia Isabella Valentina Marco Matteo Lucia Camila

Also a Boy Name

Paola is also used as a boy name, ranked #16518.

View Paola as a boy name →

Similar Names

Violet Paula Zola Violetta Enola Violett

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Paola

What does the name Paola mean?

"small, humble" (from Latin). "little one" (from Latin Paulus). Paola is the Italian and Spanish feminine form of Paul (Paolo/Pablo), which derives from the Latin 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' The name entered European culture through Saint Paul the Apostle, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. Paola has been used consistently in Italy and Latin America for centuries and carries an effortlessly sophisticated European character.

What is the origin of the name Paola?

Paola has Latin, Latin Paulus, Italian, Spanish, and Latin American origins. In Latin, it means "small, humble". In Latin Paulus, it means "little one".

Is Paola a boy or girl name?

Paola is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1081. As a boy name, it is ranked #16518. Paola is more commonly used as a girl name.

How popular is the name Paola?

Paola is currently ranked #1081 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Paola?

Common nicknames for Paola include Pao and Pola.

What are good middle names for Paola?

Popular middle name pairings include Paola Grace, Paola Marie, Paola Sofia, Paola Valentina, Paola Rosa, Paola Isabella, and Paola Elena.

What are good sibling names for Paola?

Names that pair well with Paola as siblings include Sofia, Isabella, Valentina, Marco, Matteo, Lucia, and Camila.

How many syllables does Paola have?

Paola has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Paola a common or rare name?

Paola is an uncommon name, ranked #1081 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Paola

Paola is a girl name with Italian, Spanish, and Latin American origins . The name means "small, humble" in Latin .

Is Paola a boy or girl name? Paola is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,081 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #16,518. Paola is more commonly used as a girl name.

Paola is currently ranked #1,081 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Paola has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Paola include Pao and Pola. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.