Paula
Peaked at #38 nationally in 1954, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Paula has been recorded >99% of the time for girls and <1% of the time for boys.
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Paula — Girls (United States)
RisingPeak rank
#38
in 1954
Current rank
#753
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Rising
Tracked since 1880, Paula reached its peak popularity for girls in 1954, ranking #38 nationally with 9,686 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has climbed from #995 (2014) to #753 (2024) — a 24% improvement.
As of 2024, Paula ranks #753 nationally for girls, with 374 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #753 | 374 |
| 2023 | #707 | 401 |
| 2022 | #806 | 349 |
| 2021 | #822 | 338 |
| 2020 | #824 | 331 |
| 2019 | #753 | 373 |
| 2018 | #794 | 344 |
| 2017 | #858 | 319 |
Paula — Boys (United States)
StablePeak rank
#1529
in 1958
Last ranked
#11888
in 2023
Years tracked
77
1917–2023
Trend
Stable
Tracked since 1917, Paula reached its peak popularity for boys in 1958, ranking #1529 nationally with 27 babies given the name that year.
Paula hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for boys since 2023, when it stood at #11888.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | #11,888 | 6 |
| 2022 | #11,941 | 6 |
| 2020 | #13,543 | 5 |
| 2017 | #13,741 | 5 |
| 2015 | #8,545 | 9 |
| 2009 | #12,091 | 6 |
| 2008 | #14,086 | 5 |
| 2007 | #13,881 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Paula most popular?
Paula was most popular in 1954, when it ranked #38 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Paula becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently rising; for boys, it's currently stable, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Paula?
At least 281,450 babies have been recorded with the name Paula in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Paula? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.