Find out how popular the first name Paulina has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Paulina by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Paulina is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Paulina being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 362 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Paulina.

The history of the first name Paulina

Paulina is a feminine given name derived from the ancient Roman family name Paulinus, which is a derivative of the Latin name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble". The name has its roots in the Roman Republic and the early Roman Empire, and was relatively common among both men and women during that time period.

The name Paulina can be traced back to the 1st century AD, when it was borne by several notable Roman women, including Paulina, the wife of the Roman philosopher and statesman Seneca the Younger. Another prominent figure was Pompeia Paulina, a wealthy Roman matron who lived during the reign of Emperor Nero in the 1st century AD.

In the early Christian era, the name Paulina gained popularity among followers of Christianity, as it was associated with the apostle Paul, one of the most influential figures in the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Saint Paulina, a 4th-century Roman noblewoman and widow, was known for her charitable works and is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

During the Middle Ages, the name Paulina remained in use, particularly in Italy and other parts of Europe influenced by Roman culture. One notable bearer of the name was Paulina de Leyva, a 16th-century Spanish noblewoman who served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Isabella of Portugal.

In the Renaissance period, the name Paulina was popularized by William Shakespeare's play "The Winter's Tale", in which one of the main characters is named Paulina. This literary reference helped to further establish the name's usage in English-speaking regions.

Other notable historical figures named Paulina include Paulina Musters (1876-1895), a Dutch painter and illustrator, and Paulina Longworth Sturm (1898-1935), an American socialite and philanthropist.

Throughout its long history, the name Paulina has been borne by individuals from various cultural backgrounds and has maintained its popularity across different regions and time periods, reflecting its enduring appeal and connection to the rich heritage of the ancient Roman world.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Paulina was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Paulina, please contact us.

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