Paola

♀ Girl

Pronounced PAH-oh-lah /ˈpɑː.ə.lə/High

Meaning: Small; Italian feminine form of Paolo (Paul), from Latin Paulus (small, humble)High

In 30 seconds: The Italian feminine form of Paul meaning 'small' or 'humble,' from Latin Paulus. Paola is one of Italy's most enduringly popular women's names and is widely used across Latin America.

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Origin HighItalian, Latin

MeaningSmall; Italian feminine form of Paolo (Paul), from Latin Paulus (small, humble)

U.S. rank (2025)#1260 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births178 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2006

Total births (all-time)≈ 24,492

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Paola is the Italian feminine of Paolo (Paul), from Latin Paulus, meaning 'small' or 'humble.' The name connects to the Christian tradition of Saint Paul (Saul of Tarsus) whose Latin name Paulus reflected the same root. It has been used in Italy since the medieval period.

Paola is widely used in Italy and throughout Latin America. In the U.S. it is found primarily in Italian-American and Hispanic communities. It ranked #1081 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Paola of Belgium (born 1937) was Queen of the Belgians as wife of King Albert II — the name's royal association in Western Europe spans the same decades as its popularity in Latin America.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Paola — Latin/Italian etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

PaulaPaolina

Nicknames

PaoPaolita

Famous Bearers

★Paola of Belgium (1937–present)
Italian-born Queen of the Belgians (1993–2013) as wife of King Albert II. Born Paola Ruffo di Calabria.

If you like Paola…

Paula— the English/Spanish form of the same name

Valentina— four-syllable Italian/Latin feminine name in the same tradition

Camila— popular Italian/Latin feminine name with the same warm Mediterranean feel

Sofia— top Italian/Greek feminine name in the same romantic tradition

Lucia— Italian feminine name with the same classical warmth

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Paola mean?

Paola means 'small' or 'humble,' as the Italian feminine form of Paolo (Paul), from Latin Paulus.

How do you pronounce Paola?

It's said PAH-oh-lah — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Paola a boy or girl name?

Paola is the feminine form; Paolo is masculine.

How popular is Paola?

Paola ranked #1081 for U.S. girls in 2024.