Paula

Paula is the female version of Paul, from the Latin “Paulus” which was an old Roman family name dating back to Antiquity meaning “small, humble”. Most familiarly, however, the name Paul is borne from the Bible, in the New Testament, as one of the most influential Christian missionaries who lived in the first century at the time of rising Christian beliefs. Originally called Saul, he was a Jewish Roman citizen raised in Jerusalem and over-zealous in his determination to imprison and even execute Christians. This all changed on Paul’s “Damascus Road experience” (a term still used in referring to the precise moment when a person develops a personal relationship with God/Jesus). In Paul’s case, he was going to Damascus to capture more of those pesky Christians when suddenly a bright light appeared and blinded him. “Who are you, Lord?” Paul asked, to which a voice replied: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” [Acts 9:4]. Uh oh. Sounds like Paul got caught in a pretty big faux-pas – one which we dare say “humbled” him greatly. Fortunately for Paul, his conversion was successful, his sight was restored and he went on to become one of the most important early Christian leaders and a prolific spreader of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean. One of the more enduringly popular boy’s names, Paul has been in constant use among English-speakers since the 16th century. Paula also dates back to the classical era as evidenced by Saint Paula, a 4th century Roman borne to the aristocracy but who gave her life over to helping the needy. She was a contemporary and companion to St. Jerome. Her feast day is January 26. Today the name Paula continues to enjoy widespread popularity in Spain and Catalonia, as well as Croatia, Chile and Austria. Oddly enough, she’s lost her luster among English speakers in more recent times.