Petula is a female name of English origin, meaning "Tulip Petal." It is a name of uncertain origin but may have been a modern invention based on the flower name petunia or an elaboration of the English term of endearment "pet" combined with the suffix -ula. The name is best known through British entertainer Petula Clark, whose given name is Sally, and for whom Petula was a childhood pet name created by her father. Petula has been used independently as a given name in the Anglosphere. Notable bearers include Dutch-Indonesian entertainer Patty Brard and British Labour Party politician Dawn Petula Butler. In music, Petula Clark released an album titled "Petula" in 1968. The name has also been featured in fictional characters in various media, including films, cartoons, and books.