Paula

Pronunciation: [ p-AWL-uh ]

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Boy Name #18,133 Most Popular Hidden Gem 5 Letters

A distinctive boy name with a rare, memorable quality.

Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated

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Meaning & Origin

Paula is a boy name, recorded for 6 babies in US birth records. It is pronounced p-AWL-uh.

Parents who love the name Paula often also consider Aggie, Aureus, Alshon .

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Historical Record

Paula first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.

Over 744 babies have been named Paula in the United States since SSA records began.

Today, Paula is past its peak , currently ranked #18,133 for boy names in the US .

Popularity Over Time

#18,133
Current Rank
Peaked 1958 Based on SSA data 1880–present

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Quick Facts

Gender
Boy
Popularity Rank
#18,133
Total SSA Count
6

Alternative Spellings

Nicknames

Pau Pay Paie Paukins

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Also a Girl Name

Paula is also used as a girl name, ranked #753.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Paula

Is Paula a boy or girl name?
Paula is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #18133. As a girl name, it is ranked #753. Paula is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Paula?
Paula is pronounced p-AWL-uh.
How popular is the name Paula?
Paula is currently ranked #18133 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Paula?
Common nicknames for Paula include Pau, Pay, Paie, and Paukins.
Is Paula a common or rare name?
Paula is an uncommon name, ranked #18133 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Paula?
Paula pairs well with Aggie, Aureus, Alshon, Kiaran in style and sound.
Are there other spellings for Paula?
Related spellings include Paul, Paulo.

About the Name Paula

Paula is a boy name .

Is Paula a boy or girl name? Paula is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #18,133 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #753. Paula is more commonly used as a girl name.

Paula is currently ranked #18,133 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

Common nicknames for Paula include Pau, Pay, Paie, and Paukins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Paula include Paul, Paulo . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

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