Petula \p(e)-tu-la\ as a girl's name is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Petula is "pertness". This name was first heard of in the 20th century due to the perpetually pert Petula Clark's stage and screen career. It could derive from the term of endearment "pet", with a suffix from Ursula. The Latin term "petulare" meaning "to ask" is another possible source. Also possibly from the flower name Petunia.

Petula has 1 variant form: Petulah.

Baby names that sound like Petula are Bedelia, Bethel, Bethuel and Bethell.