Paola

Paola is the Italian variant of the name Paula and means "the little one" or "the younger one". The name is derived from the Roman surname Paulus, which goes back to the Latin word paulus, meaning "little".

What does the name Paola mean?

The Italian form Paola stands for the meaning "the little one" or "the younger one". The origin of the name lies in the Roman surname Paulus, which traces back to the Latin word paulus for "little". A well-known bearer of the name is Paola Ruffo di Calabria, who became Queen of Belgium through her marriage to Albert II. The male counterpart of Paola is Paolo. In Germany, the variants Paula, Paulina, and Pauline are also common. Other international forms include Paulette (French), Paulita (Spanish), and Pavla (Czech).

Where does the name Paola come from?

The first name Paola has its origin in Latin and means "the little one" or "the younger one". The Latin word paulus means "little" and is the basis for the etymology. The language from which Paola originates is Italian.

How do you pronounce Paola?

The pronunciation of the name Paola is three syllables and fluid. It is pronounced as "Pa-o-la" [paˈoːla], with open vowels creating a gentle sound. The middle syllable with the long O gives the name an elegant depth, while the bright "a" at the end resonates cheerfully. Paola radiates a southern lightness and femininity – warm, lively, and expressive.

When is the name day of Paola?

The name day for Paola is celebrated on January 26.

Popularity

In Germany, Paola is among the sought-after first names and currently ranks 902nd on the list of the most common female first names. The name reached its best placement in 1970 with the 130th rank. In the last ten years, Paola has been given as a first name approximately 320 times, placing it 1,162nd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 1,272nd.

Nicknames & pet names

Lola / Ola / Oli / Pali / Palo / Pao / Pao pao / Pao-Pao / Paolachen / Paolchen / Paoli / Paolita / Paolo / Paulchen / Pöli

Similar first names

Famous people

• Paola Andino (actress from America)
• Paola Barale (Italian actress)
• Paola Barbara (actress from Italy)
• Paola Calvetti (writer from Italy)
• Paola Cardullo (Italian volleyball player)
• Paola Cavallino (Italian swimmer)
• Paola Corso (American poet)
• Paola Cortellesi (actress from Italy)
• Paola Del Medico (Swiss singer)
• Paola Felix (Swiss singer and presenter)
• Paola Hernandez (Mexican designer)
• Paola Kaufmann (writer from Argentina)
• Paola Krum (actress from Argentina)
• Paola Lazzarini (Italian singer)
• Paola Massarenghi (Italian composer)
• Paola Mori (Italian actress)
• Paola Moro (Italian long-distance runner)
• Paola Munoz (cyclist from Chile)
• Paola Nicole Andino (American actress)
• Paola Paggi (Italian volleyball player)