Last Name Paula

Learn more about the origin of the last name Paula

The meaning and origin of the last name Paula

The surname Paula is primarily of Latin origin, derived from the female given name Paula, which has roots dating back to ancient Rome. In Roman times, the name Paula was commonly given to women who were pious or devoted, with connections to St. Paul or the Christian faith. Over time, as Roman civilization spread and influenced other cultures, the surname Paula became popular in various regions of Europe, particularly in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and France. In some instances, the surname may have originated from a nickname or diminutive form of another female name. Today, the surname Paula is relatively common worldwide, with significant populations carrying this name in countries like Brazil, United States, Spain, and Portugal, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paula

The surname Paula is primarily distributed across various regions, reflecting its diverse origins. In Portugal, where the name originated, it ranks among the top 20 most common surnames, particularly in the northern region of Minho and the central region of Lisbon. It also has a significant presence in Brazil, due to Portuguese colonization, with a concentration in the southern states such as Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. Additionally, Paula can be found in Spain, particularly in Galicia where it is often spelled as Paule or Pauletti. In English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Paula functions more as a given name than a surname, though it is occasionally found as a last name among individuals of Hispanic, Portuguese, or Brazilian descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paula

The surname Paula has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variations include:

1. Paulo (Portuguese masculine form)
2. Paola (Italian feminine form)
3. Paula (German, English, Spanish, French feminine form)
4. Pola (Hungarian shortened form)
5. Powell (English patronymic originating from the given name Paul)
6. Pawel (Polish masculine form)
7. Paullin (French and German diminutive form)
8. Pawlett (English locational name referring to places named with the Old English elements 'pawel' meaning 'Paul,' and 'hyll' or 'let' meaning 'hill')
9. Powles (English locational name for places named with the Old English elements 'Pa(u)l's hyll' or 'Pa(u)l's let,' meaning Paul's hill or Paul's clearing)
10. Polson (Scottish locational surname derived from the Gaelic place name Baile Polsin, meaning the town of Paul's son).

Famous people with the last name Paula

Notable individuals bearing the surname Paula include:

1. Paula Abdul (born 1962), an American singer-songwriter, dancer, choreographer, and television personality, best known for her success in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a performer, followed by a long career as a judge on the popular TV series "American Idol."

2. Paula Cámino (born 1964), a Spanish politician who has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2014, representing the Socialists' Party of Spain (PSOE).

3. Paula Patton (born 1975), an American actress known for her roles in films such as "Deja Vu," "Ides of March," and "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol."

4. Paula Gómez (born 1980), a Spanish professional tennis player who reached her career-high singles ranking of World No. 5 in October 2003. She has won two Grand Slam doubles titles and represented Spain at the Olympic Games.

5. Paula Seling (born 1980), a Romanian pop singer who, together with Ovi, represented Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 with the song "Playing with Fire," winning second place overall. She has also won multiple awards in her native country and released several successful albums.

These individuals have achieved recognition in various fields such as entertainment, politics, sports, and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Paula

The surname Paula originates from various regions, with distinct origins and histories. In Portugal, Paula is derived from the given name Paúla, which is the Portuguese form of Paula, a Latin female name meaning "small" or "humble." It is believed to have been borne by a 4th-century Roman saint, Saint Paula, who was a wealthy widow and the mother of Saint Jerome. In Spain, the surname Paula may also be related to this same origin.

In Italy, however, the name Paula has a different etymology. It is derived from the male given name Paolo or Paulo, which in turn derives from the Latin Paulus. This name became popular due to Saint Paul, one of the most significant figures of the New Testament. The Italian surname Paula may also be found in Jewish families, where it originated as a variant of the Hebrew name Paulya, meaning "small" or "humble."

The Paula surname has been recorded throughout Europe and South America, with notable figures including the 16th-century Spanish conquistador Juan de Paula, and the Brazilian politician and writer José Gomes de Paula (1843–1907). The diversity of origins and geographical distribution suggests a long and complex history for the surname Paula.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Paula"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025