Pauline

Pronunciation: [ p-awl-EEN ]

Girl Name #3,445 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A timeless French classic with humble grace

French English Christian Belgian

Vintage Classic Elegant Literary Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"small; humble"

Origin: Latin

Language: Latin

"feminine form of Paul; devoted to the apostle"

Origin: Latin/French

Language: French

The Story of Pauline

Pauline is the French feminine form of Paul, derived from the Latin Paulus meaning small or humble. The masculine name Paul was borne by the Apostle Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus), one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, whose letters form a large portion of the New Testament. Pauline has been used in French-speaking countries for centuries and spread through the English-speaking world in the 19th century. The silent film serial The Perils of Pauline (1914) made the name synonymous with adventure.

Pauline was a popular name in England and France through the first half of the 20th century, particularly in the 1920s-1950s. It declined significantly in the latter decades but is now experiencing a gentle revival as part of the broader trend for vintage French-influenced names like Colette, Vivienne, and Simone.

In French culture, Pauline has remained steadily stylish across generations. Saint Pauline of Brazil (Amabile Lucia Wisintainer, 1865-1942) is the first Brazilian-born saint, canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. The name carries strong associations with French literary and artistic culture.

Fun Facts

The Perils of Pauline (1914) was one of the first wildly popular film serials in America, making Pauline synonymous with cliffhanger adventure
Saint Pauline of Brazil was canonized in 2002, making her the first Brazilian-born saint in Catholic history

Pauline in Other Languages

French Pauline

German Pauline

Italian Paolina

Spanish Paulina

Portuguese Paulina

Famous People Named Pauline

Pauline Kael

Writer

1919

Legendary American film critic for The New Yorker, considered one of the most influential film critics of the 20th centu...

Legendary American film critic for The New Yorker, considered one of the most influential film critics of the 20th century

Pauline Phillips (Dear Abby)

Writer

1918

American advice columnist who created the Dear Abby column, one of the most widely syndicated newspaper columns in histo...

American advice columnist who created the Dear Abby column, one of the most widely syndicated newspaper columns in history

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #3,445
Total SSA Count: 45
Cultural Origins: French English Christian Belgian
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Paula #753 Paulina #780 Paulette #1409

Common Nicknames

Polly Pauly Lina Paulie

Pairs Well With

Pauline Marie Pauline Anne Pauline Louise Pauline Claire Pauline Grace Pauline Renée Pauline Elise

Sibling Names

Colette Vivienne Claude Adèle Henri Marcel Simone

Also a Boy Name

Pauline is also used as a boy name, ranked #15095.

View Pauline as a boy name →

Similar Names

Mollie Ollie Adelaide Adele Adaline Dolly Molly Paula

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pauline

What does the name Pauline mean?

"small; humble" (from Latin). "feminine form of Paul; devoted to the apostle" (from Latin/French). Pauline is the French feminine form of Paul, derived from the Latin Paulus meaning small or humble. The masculine name Paul was borne by the Apostle Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus), one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, whose letters form a large portion of the New Testament. Pauline has been used in French-speaking countries for centuries and spread through the English-speaking world in the 19th century. The silent film serial The Perils of Pauline (1914) made the name synonymous with adventure.

What is the origin of the name Pauline?

Pauline has Latin, Latin/French, French, English, Christian, and Belgian origins. In Latin, it means "small; humble". In Latin/French, it means "feminine form of Paul; devoted to the apostle".

Is Pauline a boy or girl name?

Pauline is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3445. As a boy name, it is ranked #15095. Pauline is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Pauline?

Pauline is pronounced p-awl-EEN.

How popular is the name Pauline?

Pauline is currently ranked #3445 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Pauline?

Common nicknames for Pauline include Polly, Pauly, Lina, and Paulie.

What are good middle names for Pauline?

Popular middle name pairings include Pauline Marie, Pauline Anne, Pauline Louise, Pauline Claire, Pauline Grace, Pauline Renée, and Pauline Elise.

What are good sibling names for Pauline?

Names that pair well with Pauline as siblings include Colette, Vivienne, Claude, Adèle, Henri, Marcel, and Simone.

How many syllables does Pauline have?

Pauline has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Pauline a common or rare name?

Pauline is an uncommon name, ranked #3445 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Pauline

Pauline is a girl name with French, English, Christian, and Belgian origins . The name means "small; humble" in Latin .

Is Pauline a boy or girl name? Pauline is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #3,445 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #15,095. Pauline is more commonly used as a girl name.

Pauline is currently ranked #3,445 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Pauline has 2 syllables and is pronounced p-awl-EEN, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Pauline include Polly, Pauly, Lina, and Paulie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Pauline include Paula, Paulina, Paulette . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.