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Paula

Girl name · 2,575 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Paula: 2,575 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 170 births in 1975.

Paula is the feminine form of Paul, ultimately from the Latin *Paulus*, meaning "small" or "humble." It was a common name in early Christian communities, most famously borne by Saint Paula of Rome, a 4th-century noblewoman who renounced her wealth to found monasteries in the Holy Land. In the modern era, the name is associated with the iconic singer and actress Paula Abdul, whose 1980s pop hits and choreography defined a generation. The name also shares its root with the city of São Paulo in Brazil, named after Saint Paul. A notable variant is the French form Paulette, while the name saw a significant spike in popularity in Scotland during the 1960s and 1970s.