Polla

Girl Name
Origin:greek
Pronunciation:/ˈpɒl.ə/

Polla: a female name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek name “Apollōníā ‎(Ἀπολλωνίᾱ), which in turn derives from “Apóllōn ‎(Ᾰ̓πόλλων)". It derives from the Greek word "Apóllōn > Apollōníā".

Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Polla, drawn to its Greek heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the Ancient Greek name “Apollōníā ‎(Ἀπολλωνίᾱ), which in turn derives from “Apóllōn ‎(Ᾰ̓πόλλων)". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.

Quick Facts About Polla

Quick facts about Polla
OriginGreek
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Ancient Greek name “Apollōníā ‎(Ἀπολλωνίᾱ), which in turn derives from “Apóllōn ‎(Ᾰ̓πόλλων).” Apollo is one of the most important and complex of the Olympian deities in ancient Greek and Roman religion and mythology. 1) Apollonia was an ancient Greek city in Illyria, located on the right bank of the Aous river (modern-day Vjosë). Its ruins are situated in the Fier region, near the village of Pojani, in modern-day Albania. 2) Saint Apollonia was one of a group of virgin martyrs who suffered in Alexandria during a local uprising against the Christians before the persecution of Decius.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

Apóllōn > Apollōníā

How to Pronounce Polla

Polla is pronounced /ˈpɒl.ə/(Greek)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Pol-la
  2. Say it like: "POL-LA"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Usage & Popularity

Polla is predominantly used in hungarian (magyar) speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

hungarian (magyar)
Name Relationships

Polla is an affectionate diminutive of Apollónia, commonly used in hungarian (magyar) speaking regions. This shortened form maintains the original meaning while offering a more intimate, familiar tone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polla
What does the name Polla mean?
Polla means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek name “Apollōníā ‎(Ἀπολλωνίᾱ), which in turn derives from “Apóllōn ‎(Ᾰ̓πόλλων).” Apollo is one of the most important and complex of the Olympian deities in ancient Greek and Roman religion and mythology. 1) Apollonia was an ancient Greek city in Illyria, located on the right bank of the Aous river (modern-day Vjosë). Its ruins are situated in the Fier region, near the village of Pojani, in modern-day Albania. 2) Saint Apollonia was one of a group of virgin martyrs who suffered in Alexandria during a local uprising against the Christians before the persecution of Decius.". The name comes from Apóllōn > Apollōníā. In its original form, the name derives from Apóllōn (Ᾰ̓πόλλων) Apollōníā ‎(Ἀπολλωνίᾱ). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Polla for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek name “Apollōníā ‎(Ἀπολλωνίᾱ), which in turn derives from “Apóllōn ‎(Ᾰ̓πόλλων).” Apollo is one of the most important and complex of the Olympian deities in ancient Greek and Roman religion and mythology. 1) Apollonia was an ancient Greek city in Illyria, located on the right bank of the Aous river (modern-day Vjosë). Its ruins are situated in the Fier region, near the village of Pojani, in modern-day Albania. 2) Saint Apollonia was one of a group of virgin martyrs who suffered in Alexandria during a local uprising against the Christians before the persecution of Decius." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Polla's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like GREEK MYTHOLOGY (OLYMPIAN DEITIES), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Polla?
Polla is a greek name. The name traces back to Apóllōn > Apollōníā. The original form Apóllōn (Ᾰ̓πόλλων) Apollōníā ‎(Ἀπολλωνίᾱ) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to hungarian (magyar) naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek name “Apollōníā ‎(Ἀπολλωνίᾱ), which in turn derives from “Apóllōn ‎(Ᾰ̓πόλλων).” Apollo is one of the most important and complex of the Olympian deities in ancient Greek and Roman religion and mythology. 1) Apollonia was an ancient Greek city in Illyria, located on the right bank of the Aous river (modern-day Vjosë). Its ruins are situated in the Fier region, near the village of Pojani, in modern-day Albania. 2) Saint Apollonia was one of a group of virgin martyrs who suffered in Alexandria during a local uprising against the Christians before the persecution of Decius." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Polla a boy or girl name?
Polla is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In greek tradition, Polla has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek name “Apollōníā ‎(Ἀπολλωνίᾱ), which in turn derives from “Apóllōn ‎(Ᾰ̓πόλλων).” Apollo is one of the most important and complex of the Olympian deities in ancient Greek and Roman religion and mythology. 1) Apollonia was an ancient Greek city in Illyria, located on the right bank of the Aous river (modern-day Vjosë). Its ruins are situated in the Fier region, near the village of Pojani, in modern-day Albania. 2) Saint Apollonia was one of a group of virgin martyrs who suffered in Alexandria during a local uprising against the Christians before the persecution of Decius." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Polla?
Polla is pronounced "/ˈpɒl.ə/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Polla is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Polla can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Apóllōn > Apollōníā influences how Polla sounds in its original language.
What are common nicknames for Polla?
Polla is commonly used as a nickname for Apollónia. As a diminutive of Apollónia, Polla started as an affectionate short form used by family and close friends. Many people named Apollónia go by Polla throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In greek cultures, using Polla as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among girls and women, though some now use Polla as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Polla on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Polla?
Polla is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Polla offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Polla's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek name “Apollōníā ‎(Ἀπολλωνίᾱ), which in turn derives from “Apóllōn ‎(Ᾰ̓πόλλων).” Apollo is one of the most important and complex of the Olympian deities in ancient Greek and Roman religion and mythology. 1) Apollonia was an ancient Greek city in Illyria, located on the right bank of the Aous river (modern-day Vjosë). Its ruins are situated in the Fier region, near the village of Pojani, in modern-day Albania. 2) Saint Apollonia was one of a group of virgin martyrs who suffered in Alexandria during a local uprising against the Christians before the persecution of Decius." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Polla holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Polla commonly used?
Polla is used primarily in hungarian (magyar) naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Polla found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek name “Apollōníā ‎(Ἀπολλωνίᾱ), which in turn derives from “Apóllōn ‎(Ᾰ̓πόλλων).” Apollo is one of the most important and complex of the Olympian deities in ancient Greek and Roman religion and mythology. 1) Apollonia was an ancient Greek city in Illyria, located on the right bank of the Aous river (modern-day Vjosë). Its ruins are situated in the Fier region, near the village of Pojani, in modern-day Albania. 2) Saint Apollonia was one of a group of virgin martyrs who suffered in Alexandria during a local uprising against the Christians before the persecution of Decius." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Polla into their naming traditions. A child named Polla will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Polla is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Polla?
Polla carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY (OLYMPIAN DEITIES). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek name “Apollōníā ‎(Ἀπολλωνίᾱ), which in turn derives from “Apóllōn ‎(Ᾰ̓πόλλων).” Apollo is one of the most important and complex of the Olympian deities in ancient Greek and Roman religion and mythology. 1) Apollonia was an ancient Greek city in Illyria, located on the right bank of the Aous river (modern-day Vjosë). Its ruins are situated in the Fier region, near the village of Pojani, in modern-day Albania. 2) Saint Apollonia was one of a group of virgin martyrs who suffered in Alexandria during a local uprising against the Christians before the persecution of Decius." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Polla originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Polla sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Polla often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In hungarian (magyar) communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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