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Home › Baby Names Directory › Pola

Pola

♀ Girl

Pronounced POH-lah /ˈpoʊ.lɑ/Medium

Meaning: Pola is a Polish and Yiddish name, made internationally visible by the Polish-born silent film star Pola Negri (born Barbara Apolonia Chalupiec). It also reads as a short form of Apolonia or of Paula, from the Latin paulus, 'small'. Which route a family takes is not documented. Routes uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A short, elegant name from Poland: Pola also reads as a form of Paula, from Latin for 'small' (said 'POH-lah'). Routes are uncertain, which we note.
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Origin LowPolish, Latin
MeaningPola is a Polish and Yiddish name, made internationally visible by the Polish-born silent film star Pola Negri (born Barbara Apolonia Chalupiec). It also reads as a short form of Apolonia or of Paula, from the Latin paulus, 'small'. Which route a family takes is not documented. Routes uncertain, which we note.
U.S. rank (2023)#11935 ↘ Falling
2023 U.S. births8 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1926
Total births (all-time)≈ 672

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192619112023

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

Pola is a Polish and Yiddish given name with a quiet, vintage elegance. It can be a short form of Apolonia, or of Paula, from the Latin paulus, 'small'. Its international fame rests on Pola Negri, the Polish-born actress who became one of the great stars of the silent era in Europe and Hollywood. Which route a modern family follows is not documented — routes uncertain, which we note (said 'POH-lah').

It is very rare in the U.S., better known in Poland. Short, vintage, and elegant.

Did you know? Pola Negri, the Polish-born star of the silent screen, made this name known far beyond Poland — she was born Barbara Apolonia, and Pola is a short form of Apolonia (said 'POH-lah').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Pola — Polish/Yiddish name; Pola Negri; Paula/Apolonia routes

Variations

PaulaPalaApolonia

Nicknames

PolPolly

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Pola…

Paula— the Latin name Pola may shorten
Lola— a like short, elegant pick
Nola— a similar vintage two-beat choice
Polly— shares the bright Pol- sound

Explore names like Pola

By themeuncertainshortvintagepolish
By meaningStar

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Pola mean?

Pola is a Polish and Yiddish name, also read as a short form of Apolonia or Paula (Latin paulus, 'small'). Routes uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Pola?

It's said POH-lah /ˈpoʊ.lɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Pola a boy or girl name?

Pola is a girl's name.

How popular is Pola?

Pola is very rare in the U.S., better known in Poland.

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