Pauline, of Latin origin, is a feminine given name derived from the Roman family name Paulus, which was itself derived from the Latin word 'paulus' meaning 'small'. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages as a female form of Paul, a name derived from the Apostle Saint Paul in the New Testament. The name Pauline was particularly favored by French nobility and has been used widely throughout Europe since then. Notable figures bearing this name include Pauline Viardot, a renowned mezzo-soprano and composer, and Pauline Kael, an influential American film critic.
Pauline was a popular name for girls throughout much of the early to mid-20th century, with its peak popularity occurring between 1926 and 1936, during which time over 20 girls named Pauline were born each year. However, by the late 1940s and early 1950s, its popularity began to decline sharply, with fewer than 10 girls named Pauline being born per year after 1956. In total, 775 girls named Pauline were born between 1893 and 1964.