Paulina is a feminine given name with origins tracing back to the Latin language. It is derived from the masculine name Paulus, which means "small" or "humble". The name Paulina has been used in various forms throughout history and across different cultures.
The name Paulus itself was quite popular during Roman times, as it was often used to denote a person who was considered small or humble in stature. As the Roman Empire expanded, so too did the use of this name, with Paulus being adopted by people from diverse backgrounds.
In medieval Europe, Paulina became a popular choice for girls, likely due to the influence of early Christian martyrs named Paulinus. Saint Paulinus of Nola was an Italian bishop who lived in the 5th century and was known for his charitable works. His name was likely the inspiration behind many girl babies being named Paulina during this time period.
Over the centuries, Paulina has remained a staple among female names. In some cultures, it is still predominantly used today, while in others, it may have fallen out of fashion only to be rediscovered and revived by parents looking for unique monikers for their daughters.
Overall, Paulina is an elegant and historic name with roots deeply embedded in Latin culture and early Christianity. Its meaning may vary depending on interpretation, but regardless, this lovely name has stood the test of time and continues to captivate parents seeking beautiful options for their baby girls.
The name Paulina experienced a significant increase in popularity over the course of its recorded history. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was rarely chosen, with fewer than 25 births per year being recorded consistently until the 1960s. However, starting around 1969, there was a marked rise in popularity, with more than 30 births per year becoming commonplace.
The name Paulina reached its peak popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a record high of 470 births recorded in 1993. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with over 600 births per year being recorded between 2000 and 2005. After this point, popularity began to decline again, dropping below 400 births per year by 2010.
In recent years, Paulina has maintained a steady level of popularity, with around 300-360 births recorded annually between 2010 and 2023. Overall, from 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 19427 births recorded for the name Paulina.