Choosing a baby name is a significant decision, one that carries weight and meaning. If you’re considering Paola, you’re drawn to a name with a rich history and a delightful sound. This article delves into the essence of Paola, exploring its origins, popularity, and names with a similar appeal, to help you determine if it’s the perfect fit for your little one.
(Image of Paola Name Graphic – Replaced with Text Alternative: Paola written in cursive style)
Paola Name Popularity: A Journey Through Time
How popular is the name Paola? Let’s explore its historical trajectory in the United States, examining its rank, number of births, and percentage of births per year. This data, sourced from the Social Security Administration (SSA), provides a comprehensive view of Paola’s usage over the decades.
Before the late 1950s, Paola was virtually unheard of in US birth records. From 1910 to 1957, the name was not ranked, with 0 births recorded in the SSA data. 1958 marked its first appearance, ranking at 1,819 with 8 births, representing 0.0004% of total births.
The name saw intermittent use in the 1960s and 70s, with small bumps in rank, such as reaching 1,652 in 1965 (14 births, 0.0009%) and 1,310 in 1971 (39 births, 0.0026%). The 1980s and early 90s were marked with gradual increase in popularity, but the most significant increase came in the late 1990s, with the name reaching a rank of 300 in 1995, with 892 births (0.0592%). The early 2000s saw Paola consistently rank within the top 350 names, with over 900 births each year. In 2001, Paola reached 308 with 1001 births (0.0664%).
After 2008, the name started to decline in popularity, dropping to 1,121 in 2023 with 168 births (0.013%). While its current rank is lower than its peak, Paola remains a recognizable and relatively common name.
Paola’s Popularity in Washington D.C.:
The data suggests a consistently low usage of Paola in the District of Columbia, with very few recorded instances across the years. This information helps paint a picture of the name’s geographical distribution, although the sample size is small.
The Meaning and Origin of Paola
While the popularity data tells one part of the story, understanding the name’s meaning adds another layer of depth. Paola is the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese feminine form of Paul. The name Paul comes from the Latin "Paulus," meaning "small" or "humble."
Names Like Paola: Exploring Alternatives
If you adore the sound and feel of Paola, several other names offer a similar charm. These alternatives can be categorized by their sonic resemblance or stylistic similarities.
Names That Sound Like Paola:
- Baila
- Bayla
- Pali
- Paule
- Pauli
- Paulla
- Pauly
- Pella
- Pola
- Poli
- Poll
Similar Names to Paola:
- Caela
- Caila
- Cala
- Calla
- Cayla
- Dalla
- Dayla
- Dola
- Gaila
- Gala
- Galla
- Gayla
- Hala
- Iola
- Jayla
- Jola
- Kaala
- Kaela
- Kahla
- Kaila
- Kala
- Kalla
- Kayla
- Laela
- Laila
- Lala
- Lalla
- Layla
- Leola
- Lola
- Mala
- Naila
- Neola
- Nola
- Noola
- Palila
- Pallas
- Pallma
- Palma
- Paloma
- Pama
- Pamala
- Pamela
- Pania
- Paolina
- Pasha
- Pavia
- Pavla
- Paza
- Pazia
- Pearla
- Perla
- Phila
- Raoula
- Raula
- Rayla
- Tayla
- Tola
- Vala
- Valla
Viola
Yola
Zola
Lists Featuring Paola
Paola is a name that might appear in lists such as:
- Classic Girl Names with a Modern Twist
- Italian Baby Names with Charm
- Spanish Baby Names that are Timeless
In conclusion, Paola is a classic name that has fluctuated in popularity over the years. Its meaning of "small" or "humble" is complemented by its pleasing sound. The historical data and alternative name suggestions provide a comprehensive overview to assist in your decision-making process. Whether you choose Paola or one of its similar-sounding or related names, the most important thing is to select a name that resonates with you and embodies the hopes and dreams you have for your child.