Paola

Paola is the Italian and Spanish female equivalent to Paolo, Pablo or – as we know in English – Paul. The name Paul was once an old Roman family name which was derived from a nickname during the ancient classical era. The Latin word “Paulus” means ‘small, humble.’ 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. Fortunately for Paul, his conversion is successful, his sight is restored and he goes onto become one of the most important early Christian leaders and a prolific spreader of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean. Many female versions of the name Paul developed throughout Europe and include Paula, Paulette, Paulina, Polina and Pavla. Paola is the Italian and Spanish female form of Paul. It is a Top 100 favorite female name in Spain and ranked among the Top 40 in Mexico. Once quite popular in Italy, Paola doesn’t seem to be as common anymore.