Meaning & Origin
A female given name from Italian.
Paola is a girl's and boy's baby name of Italian origin, the Italian form of Paula, from the Latin Paulus meaning "small" or "humble." It has been widely used across Italy and Latin America, where it consistently ranks among the top feminine names.
Paola carries effortless Italian warmth — three syllables that flow with Mediterranean ease. With over 24,000 U.S. births recorded, it has been a beloved name in Hispanic-American communities as the Italian form gives classic Paula a more vibrant, international character. Fashion designer Paola Mori de Filippis is one of the name's elegant bearers.