The name Pauline has its origins in the Roman family name Paulinus, which itself is derived from the ancient Roman name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble". The name Paulus was quite common among the ancient Romans and is thought to have originated from the Latin root word "pauius", meaning "little".

The feminine form Paulina emerged during the Roman era, with early records indicating the name was used as far back as the 1st century AD. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Paulina of Rome, a Roman matron who lived during the reign of the emperor Tiberius in the early 1st century.

As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, the name Paulina gained popularity among early Christians, likely due to its association with the apostle Paul, who played a pivotal role in the spread of the faith. The variant spelling Pauline emerged in the Middle Ages, becoming more common in Western Europe.

In the 4th century, Saint Pauline of Nola, a Roman noblewoman who became a nun and is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, helped to further popularize the name. Another notable early bearer of the name was Pauline, the wife of the 5th-century Roman senator Praetextatus.

During the Middle Ages, the name Pauline was borne by several noblewomen and royalty, including Pauline of Aragon (1478-1508), a Spanish princess and the first wife of King Henry VIII of England. Pauline Bonaparte (1780-1825), the sister of Napoleon Bonaparte, was another prominent figure who bore the name.

Other notable historical figures named Pauline include the 19th-century French novelist Pauline Viardot (1821-1910), the American actress Pauline Frederick (1883-1938), and the French fashion designer Pauline Trigère (1912-2002).

The name Pauline has maintained a consistent presence throughout history, with its roots firmly planted in ancient Roman culture and its enduring popularity among Christians and various European societies.