"small, humble"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Paulina
Pronunciation: [ p-awl-EEN-uh ]
Girl Name
#780 Most Popular
Steady
4 Syllables
Humble Roman origins wrapped in Latin elegance
Spanish
Polish
Italian
Latin American
Elegant
Classic
Sophisticated
International
Meaning & Origin
"devoted to Paul, little one"
Origin: Latin
Language: Spanish
The Story of Paulina
Paulina is the feminine form of Paulinus, a diminutive of the Roman family name Paulus, from the Latin paulus meaning small or humble. The name gained prominence through Saint Paul the Apostle and subsequently spread throughout the Catholic world. Paulina has been especially beloved in Spain, Poland, and Latin America, where it carries a blend of religious heritage and elegant femininity.
Paulina has been consistently popular in Spanish-speaking countries and Poland for centuries. In the US it gained attention through supermodel Paulina Porizkova in the 1980s and remains a favorite among Latin American communities.
In the Catholic tradition, Paulina is associated with Saint Paulina, the first Brazilian-born saint canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. In Poland, Paulina is a classic given name with deep roots. In Latin America it carries an air of elegance.
Fun Facts
- Paulina Porizkova was the first Eastern European model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (1984)
- Saint Paulina of the Ailing Heart is the patron saint of sick people in Brazil
Paulina in Other Languages
French
Pauline
Polish
Paulina
Italian
Paolina
Spanish
Paulina
Portuguese
Paulina
Famous People Named Paulina
P
Paulina Gretzky
Entertainer
1988
American model and singer, daughter of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky
P
Paulina Rubio
Musician
1971
Mexican pop star known as the Golden Girl of Latin pop
P
Paulina Porizkova
Entertainer
1965
Czech-American supermodel who was the face of Estee Lauder in the 1980s and 1990s
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #780
- Total SSA Count
- 361
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Polish Italian Latin American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pauli
Lina
Paula
Pairs Well With
Paulina Marie
Paulina Sofia
Paulina Elena
Paulina Isabel
Paulina Rose
Paulina Victoria
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Paulina is also used as a boy name, ranked #25311.
View Paulina as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paulina
What does the name Paulina mean?
"small, humble" (from Latin). "devoted to Paul, little one" (from Latin). Paulina is the feminine form of Paulinus, a diminutive of the Roman family name Paulus, from the Latin paulus meaning small or humble. The name gained prominence through Saint Paul the Apostle and subsequently spread throughout the Catholic world. Paulina has been especially beloved in Spain, Poland, and Latin America, where it carries a blend of religious heritage and elegant femininity.
What is the origin of the name Paulina?
Paulina has Latin, Spanish, Polish, Italian, and Latin American origins. In Latin, it means "small, humble". In Latin, it means "devoted to Paul, little one".
Is Paulina a boy or girl name?
Paulina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #780. As a boy name, it is ranked #25311. Paulina is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Paulina?
Paulina is pronounced p-awl-EEN-uh.
How popular is the name Paulina?
Paulina is currently ranked #780 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Paulina?
Common nicknames for Paulina include Pauli, Lina, and Paula.
What are good middle names for Paulina?
Popular middle name pairings include Paulina Marie, Paulina Sofia, Paulina Elena, Paulina Isabel, Paulina Rose, and Paulina Victoria.
What are good sibling names for Paulina?
Names that pair well with Paulina as siblings include Valentina, Isabella, Emilio, Sebastian, Lucia, and Marco.
How many syllables does Paulina have?
Paulina has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Paulina a common or rare name?
Paulina is moderately common, ranked #780 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Paulina
Paulina is a girl name with Spanish, Polish, Italian, and Latin American origins . The name means "small, humble" in Latin .
Is Paulina a boy or girl name? Paulina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #780 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #25,311. Paulina is more commonly used as a girl name.
Paulina is currently ranked #780 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Paulina has 4 syllables and is pronounced p-awl-EEN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Paulina include Pauli, Lina, and Paula. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Paulina include Paula, Paulette, Pauline . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.