Best Nicknames for Paula
Paula is the feminine form of Paul, a Latin name meaning “small” or “humble.” Its most popular nicknames are Polly, Paulie, Pau-Pau, and P, along with sweet international variations across Spanish, Italian, and Greek.
Below you’ll find every type of nickname for Paula, plus real people who share the name and the middle names that pair best with it.
Most Popular Nicknames for Paula
- Polly
- Paulie
- Pau-Pau
- P
- Pal
- Lala
- Pookie
- Paulette
Meaning and Origin of Paula
Paula comes from the Latin name Paulus, meaning “small” or “humble.” It has been used across dozens of languages, including German, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and Greek, where it appears as Polina. The name has a long history, dating back to Saint Paula, an early Christian follower of Saint Jerome in the 4th century.
Classic and Common Nicknames
- Polly
- Paulie
- Pau-Pau
- P
- Pal
- Paulette
- Pauletta
- Poppet
Cute Options for Kids and Loved Ones
- Pookie
- Peaches
- Pauly Bear
- Paws
- Lala
- Paula-Bear
- Pauly-Wauly
Funny and Playful Picks
- Paularama
- Paulicious
- Paulster
- Paularoid
- Paulzilla
- Paulberry
- Paulapalooza
- Pauly D
Unique and Creative Nicknames
- Paupricka
- Pauly-Wog
- Paupicorn
- Pauberry
- Polly Pocket
International Variations
- Paulita, the Spanish form meaning “little Paula”
- Paolina, the Italian form meaning “small”
- Paola, the Italian equivalent of Paula
- Polina, the Greek form
- Pola, a Polish and German diminutive
- Pavla, the Czech form
Similar Names
- Paulina
- Paloma
- Pauline
- Paola
- Polina
- Pavla
- Paulette
- Paulita
- Pia
- Paola
Famous People Named Paula
- Paula Abdul, American singer, choreographer, and television personality
- Paula Patton, American actress
- Paula Radcliffe, British marathon runner and world-record holder
- Paula Deen, American celebrity chef
- Saint Paula, early Christian saint
Middle Names That Pair Well
- Paula Marie
- Paula Jean
- Paula Kate
- Paula Rose
- Paula Grace
- Paula Elizabeth
- Paula Ann
- Paula Renee
- Paula Michelle
- Paula Louise
Common Typos and Misspellings
- Paulla
- Pawla
- Paulah
- Powla
FAQs
What is the most common nickname for Paula?
Polly and Paulie are the most common.
What does the name Paula mean?
Paula is the feminine form of Paul, a Latin name meaning “small” or “humble.”
Is Paula short for another name?
No, Paula is a complete name on its own, though it shares roots with Paulina and Pauline.
What are some international versions of Paula?
Common variations include Paulita in Spanish, Paolina in Italian, and Polina in Greek.
