Paula was born on 17 February 1823 at the Paço de São Cristóvão in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian capital; one week later, the princess was baptized Paula Mariana Joana Carlota Faustina Matias Francisca Xavier de Paula Micaela Gabriela Rafaela Gonzaga by Bishop José Caetano da Silva Coutinho, at the Old Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro. The last four names were always bestowed on members of the royal family and the name Paula honored São Paulo, where the independence (see below) had been signed.