All about the name

Pola

Female

« Pola is a distinctive Slavic given name derived from Paulina, meaning 'small' or 'humble'. »

#11843 last year

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Pola since 1880

Total births
672
Total since 1880
Peak year
1926
25 births
in 2023
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-8%
vs previous 5 years