Paola
How to say it: pah-OH-luh · /pɑˈoʊlə/
Italian feminine form of Paolo (Paul), from Latin Paulus meaning 'small' or 'humble'.
Paola was the 1,058th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 178 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 2000s, its births are down about 53% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #1,240 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #1,058 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 178 |
| Share of births | 1 in 18,625 |
| Peak decade | 2000s |
| Change over 10 years | −53% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #1,240 |
| In France, 2025 | #190 among girls’ names, 345 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
After its high in the 2000s, Paola began to fade. It now rests well below that peak and is likely to slip further over the next few years.
What goes with it
Soft with crisp edges and three lilting parts, Paola travels well. Valentina shares its style and pairs beautifully.
Nicknames
- Pao
Honouring a Paola in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Paola is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish.
In France: #190 for girls in 2025.
Famous people named Paola
- Queen Paola of Belgium (born 1937)Queen consort of the Belgians
- Paola Suárez (born 1976)Argentine tennis player
- Paola Cortellesi (born 1973)Italian actress and singer
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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