Pola is a unique and captivating name of Slavic origin. It is derived from the Polish female given name Paulina, which itself comes from the Latin masculine name Paulus. Paulus is a derivative of the Latin word "paulus," meaning "small" or "humble."
The name Pola has been associated with various notable figures throughout history. One such figure is the Italian actress and sex symbol, Pola Negri (1894-1987). Born Barbara Apolonia Chalupiec in Poland, she adopted her stage name from a shortened version of her birth name's first syllable.
Another famous bearer of the name Pola is Polish-French composer Maurice Ravel's sister, Marie-Madeleine 'Pola' Ravel (1875-1954). She was an influential figure in French literature and arts, known for her literary salon that attracted many prominent artists of the time.
While not extensively used outside Slavic countries, Pola has gained some international recognition due to its association with famous individuals. It is a name that carries a unique charm and mystique, reflecting its Slavic origins and notable bearers throughout history.
The name Pola experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak in recent times. Between 1911 and 2023, there were a total of 672 babies named Pola. The highest number of births recorded was 25 in 1926, while the most recent peak was 17 births in 2020. However, there have also been years with only a single-digit number of births, such as 5 or fewer, indicating periods of less popularity for this name.