NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Pauline

What is the origin of the name Pauline?

The first name Pauline has its origin in Latin. It is derived from the masculine name Paul, which itself originated from the Roman family name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." Pauline is the feminine form of Paul and has been used for centuries as a given name. It became particularly popular in English-speaking countries during the 19th century.

Learn more about the origin of the name Pauline

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Pauline

The name Pauline originated from the Latin name "Paulina," which was derived from the male name "Paulus" meaning "small" or "humble." It gained popularity due to its association with St. Paul the Apostle, a prominent figure in early Christianity. The name Pauline has been used throughout history as a feminine variation of the name Paul. It has spread to various cultures and languages, including English, French, German, and Russian, among others. The name Pauline often reflects qualities such as humility, kindness, and a strong sense of faith. Individuals with this name tend to be caring and compassionate, valuing their relationships with others. They are known for their determination and dedication, striving for personal growth and helping to uplift those around them. Pauline is a timeless and elegant name that has stood the test of time, consistently appearing in baby name lists across different cultures and generations.

Character traits associated with the name Pauline

Pauline is a name that carries a myriad of positive and endearing character traits. She exudes a gentle nature, possessing a warm and caring heart. She is known to be empathetic, always willing to lend a listening ear and offer support to those around her. With an incredible sense of compassion, Pauline effortlessly connects with others and has a knack for understanding their needs. Her kind and nurturing personality often make her a beloved figure among her friends and family. Pauline is characterized by her unwavering loyalty and dedication to the people she holds dear, making her a steadfast and reliable companion. She is also recognized for her grace and elegance, emanating an aura of sophistication and class. People are drawn to Pauline's elegance and appreciative of her genuine presence. Ultimately, Pauline's remarkable depth of character encompasses her kindness, empathy, loyalty, and grace, making her an exceptional individual to cherish.

Popularity of the name Pauline

The name Pauline has had varying degrees of popularity over the years. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Pauline was a relatively common name in several English-speaking countries. It was particularly popular in the United States during this time, steadily climbing in popularity until it reached its peak in the 1920s. However, its popularity started to decline gradually after the 1940s. Today, the name Pauline is not as popular as it once was, but it still maintains a certain level of recognition and usage. Many individuals named Pauline can be found across different generations, though it may not be as common for newborns today. Despite its decreasing popularity, Pauline retains a sense of timeless charm and has a classic feel to it.

Famous people with the name Pauline

Pauline is a name that exudes elegance and grace, and it has been carried by some truly remarkable individuals throughout history. One famous Pauline is Pauline Bonaparte, the younger sister of Napoleon Bonaparte. Known for her beauty, she was a prominent figure in the art world and had sculptures and portraits created in her honor. Another notable figure is Pauline Viardot, a renowned French mezzo-soprano and composer who contributed greatly to the opera world during the 19th century. Her talent and versatility made her one of the most celebrated musicians of her time. Additionally, Pauline Boty, an influential British pop artist of the 1960s, used her talent to challenge social norms and push boundaries in the art world. Her unique style and feminist perspective continue to inspire artists today. These exceptional women named Pauline have undoubtedly left an indelible mark in various fields, making their names stand the test of time.

Variations of the name Pauline

Pauline is a classic and elegant name that has given rise to several variations over the years. One such variation is Paulina, which adds a hint of sophistication and femininity. Another variation is Paulette, which carries a charming and whimsical persona. The name Paulene emerges as a unique and modern twist on the original, while still maintaining its timeless appeal. For those looking for a more exotic version, Polina offers a touch of international flair. Additionally, Polly, a short and sweet diminutive of Pauline, conveys a playful and lively character. These variations of Pauline provide a diverse range of options for parents seeking a name that is both traditional and distinctive, allowing them to choose the one that resonates the most with their own personal style.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Pauan (First name)

forenames > pauan

The name Pauan is of Hawaiian origin.

Pauash (First name)

forenames > pauash

The name "Pauash" does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it may be a unique or rare name without a specific etymology.

Paul adele (First name)

forenames > paul-adele

The name Paul originates from the Roman family name Paulus, which means "small" or "humble" in Latin. The name Adele has Germanic roots and means "noble" or "kind."

Paul aditya (First name)

forenames > paul-aditya

The name Paul is of Latin origin, derived from the Latin name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble". The name Aditya is of Sanskrit origin, meaning "belonging to Aditi", where Aditi ...

Paul allan (First name)

forenames > paul-allan

The origin of the name Paul is Latin, meaning "small" or "humble," while Allan is of Celtic origin, meaning "handsome" or "harmony."

Paul amanga (First name)

forenames > paul-amanga

The name Paul is of Latin origin and means "small" or "humble." Amanga does not have a commonly known origin or meaning in English.

Paul antony (First name)

forenames > paul-antony

The name Paul is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name "Paulus," meaning "small" or "humble." The name Antony is of Roman origin, originating from the Roman family na...

Paul arry (First name)

forenames > paul-arry

The name "Paul" is of Latin origin and means "small" or "humble". The name "Arry" is of English origin and is believed to be a variant of the name "Harry", which is a nickname for ...

Paul ashcroft (First name)

forenames > paul-ashcroft

The name Paul is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." The surname Ashcroft is of Old English origin, derived from the words "æs...

Paul ashley (First name)

forenames > paul-ashley

The name Paul is of Latin origin, derived from the name Paulus, which means "small" or "humble." The name Ashley is of Old English origin, derived from the word "æsc" which means ...

Paul bailey (First name)

forenames > paul-bailey

The first name "Paul" is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble". The surname "Bailey" is of Old English origin, from the Middle Eng...

Paul ballard (First name)

forenames > paul-ballard

The name "Paul" is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Paulus, which means "small" or "humble." The name "Ballard" is of Old English origin, meaning "bold, brave, s...

Paul bomber (First name)

forenames > paul-bomber

The name "Paul" is of Latin origin, originating from the Roman name "Paulus" which means "small" or "humble". The surname "Bomber" is likely of German origin, and is derived from t...

Paul chinny (First name)

forenames > paul-chinny

The name "Paul" is derived from the Roman family name Paulus, which meant "small" or "humble" in Latin. "Chinny" does not have a clear origin or meaning, but it is sometimes used a...

Paul chocky (First name)

forenames > paul-chocky

The name Paul is of Latin origin, ultimately derived from the Greek name Παῦλος (Paulos), meaning "small" or "humble". Chocky does not appear to have a widely recognized ori...