Paulita

small
Spanish origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#1576US 2023
624Births / yr
Stable
991All-time births
📅 Since 188800
How to pronounce Paulita
paw·LEE·tuh
/pɔ.ˈliː.tə/ · stress on LEE · 3 syllables
small
Spanish origin · Girl name

What does Paulita mean and where does it come from?

Paulita is a diminutive form of the name Paula, which has its roots in Latin. The name Paula itself is derived from 'Paulus', meaning 'small' or 'humble'. Paulita is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries and among Filipino communities. The name denotes affection and endearment. It is relativel

Cultural significance
Paulita has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spanish.
Peak popularity
Reached #1461 in 1888 — currently #1576 in the US.
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Related Reading
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What middle names flow best with Paulita?

Paulita works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Paulita Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Paulita Rose
Floral · soft ending
Paulita Mae
Sweet · timeless
Paulita Claire
French influence · crisp
Paulita Jane
Literary · strong
Paulita Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Paulita
Browse ideas →

How popular is Paulita right now?

Holding steady — currently #1576 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19002023#1576 · Top 1.2%
1940
1945
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
2015
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#1576624▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022#1581604▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021#1586574▲ up 14883 · +11380% births
2015#164695▼ down 5008 · -17% births
1990#114616▼ down 2079
1985#93826▼ down 1908 · -25% births
1980#74748▼ down 4486 · -67% births
1975#298824▲ up 1297 · +85% births
1970#428513▼ down 516 · +8% births
1965#376912▼ down 761 · -29% births
1960#300817▼ down 10 · +13% births
1955#299815▲ up 474 · +50% births
1950#347210▼ down 285 · +11% births
1945#31879▼ down 183
1940#30049

The story of Paulita

Paulita has been a beloved American name for over 136 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1888. With 991 total births recorded, Paulita remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2025 in 1900 to #1576 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Paulita in 1888:

Paulita by decade

Paulita peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

DecadeBirths
1880s5
1900s10
1910s51
1920s131
1930s151
1940s114
1950s136
1960s130
1970s166
1980s71
1990s21
2010s5
💎Paulita has only 991 total recorded births since 1888 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Paulita?

Common
PauPaulPauliePaulyIta

Famous people named Paulita

P(
Paulita (Flamenco artist)
Paulita carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
P(
Paulita (Spanish royal)
Paulita held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
P(
Paulita (Spanish saint)
Paulita helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
P(
Paulita (Flamenco artist)
Paulita carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
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Common questions about the name Paulita

What does the name Paulita mean?
Paulita means "Spanish" — a name rooted in Spanish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Paulita?
Paulita is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Paulita?
Paulita originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Paulita?
Paulita is a three-syllable name pronounced P AO0 L IY1 T AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Paulita?
Paulita pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.