Paulina: a female name of Latin origin meaning "This name derives from the Latin “Paulus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “parvus > parvulus,” meaning “tiny, small, humble, modest".It derives from the Latin word "parvus > parvulus > PAULUS".
Paulina is a feminine name that means "This name derives from the Latin “Paulus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “parvus > parvulus,” meaning “tiny, small, humble, modest". Its Latin origins reflect deep cultural values and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its profound significance and timeless appeal.
Quick Facts About Paulina
Quick facts about Paulina
Origin
Latin
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Latin “Paulus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “parvus > parvulus,” meaning “tiny, small, humble, modest.” It is a common name in countries and ethnicities with a Christian heritage (Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism) and, beyond Europe, in Christian religious communities throughout the world. The name exists since Roman times. It derives from the Roman family name Paulus or Paullus - in particular in the Roman patrician family of the Gens “group of people, clan” Aemilia. Paul the Apostle, original name Saul of Tarsus, was a Christian missionary who took the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
parvus > parvulus > PAULUS
How to Pronounce Paulina
Paulina is pronounced /pɔˈliː.nə/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Paul-in-a
Say it like: "PAUL-IN-A"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Paulina enjoys international appeal, used in 6 different linguistic and cultural contexts including norwegian, icelandic, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
norwegianicelandicswedishdanishfaroesefinnish
Name Relationships
Paulina is an affectionate diminutive of Paula, commonly used in norwegian speaking regions. This shortened form maintains the original meaning while offering a more intimate, familiar tone.
The masculine counterpart to Paulina is Paulinus, sharing the same Latin etymology and core meaning. Both names derive from the same linguistic root.
Paulina means "This name derives from the Latin “Paulus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “parvus > parvulus,” meaning “tiny, small, humble, modest.” It is a common name in countries and ethnicities with a Christian heritage (Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism) and, beyond Europe, in Christian religious communities throughout the world. The name exists since Roman times. It derives from the Roman family name Paulus or Paullus - in particular in the Roman patrician family of the Gens “group of people, clan” Aemilia. Paul the Apostle, original name Saul of Tarsus, was a Christian missionary who took the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age.". The name comes from parvus > parvulus > PAULUS. This latin name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Paulina for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Latin “Paulus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “parvus > parvulus,” meaning “tiny, small, humble, modest.” It is a common name in countries and ethnicities with a Christian heritage (Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism) and, beyond Europe, in Christian religious communities throughout the world. The name exists since Roman times. It derives from the Roman family name Paulus or Paullus - in particular in the Roman patrician family of the Gens “group of people, clan” Aemilia. Paul the Apostle, original name Saul of Tarsus, was a Christian missionary who took the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Paulina offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL / RELIGION (POPES) / RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Paulina?
Paulina is a latin name. The name traces back to parvus > parvulus > PAULUS. From its latin roots, Paulina spread to become common in norwegian, icelandic, swedish, danish and other cultures. The latin meaning "This name derives from the Latin “Paulus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “parvus > parvulus,” meaning “tiny, small, humble, modest.” It is a common name in countries and ethnicities with a Christian heritage (Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism) and, beyond Europe, in Christian religious communities throughout the world. The name exists since Roman times. It derives from the Roman family name Paulus or Paullus - in particular in the Roman patrician family of the Gens “group of people, clan” Aemilia. Paul the Apostle, original name Saul of Tarsus, was a Christian missionary who took the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Paulina a boy or girl name?
Paulina is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In latin tradition, Paulina has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Latin “Paulus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “parvus > parvulus,” meaning “tiny, small, humble, modest.” It is a common name in countries and ethnicities with a Christian heritage (Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism) and, beyond Europe, in Christian religious communities throughout the world. The name exists since Roman times. It derives from the Roman family name Paulus or Paullus - in particular in the Roman patrician family of the Gens “group of people, clan” Aemilia. Paul the Apostle, original name Saul of Tarsus, was a Christian missionary who took the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Paulina?
Paulina is pronounced "/pɔˈliː.nə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Paulina is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in norwegian, icelandic, swedish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with latin names, listening to a native speaker say Paulina can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
What are common nicknames for Paulina?
Paulina is commonly used as a nickname for Paula. As a diminutive of Paula, Paulina started as an affectionate short form used by family and close friends. Many people named Paula go by Paulina throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In latin cultures, using Paulina as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among girls and women, though some now use Paulina as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Paulina on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Paulina?
Paulina is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Paulina gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Paulina's popularity may vary between latin communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Latin “Paulus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “parvus > parvulus,” meaning “tiny, small, humble, modest.” It is a common name in countries and ethnicities with a Christian heritage (Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism) and, beyond Europe, in Christian religious communities throughout the world. The name exists since Roman times. It derives from the Roman family name Paulus or Paullus - in particular in the Roman patrician family of the Gens “group of people, clan” Aemilia. Paul the Apostle, original name Saul of Tarsus, was a Christian missionary who took the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Paulina holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Paulina?
Paulina is related to Paulinus (feminine). The feminine version Paulinus carries the same essential meaning, adapted to fit naming conventions for girls. In latin tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Latin “Paulus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “parvus > parvulus,” meaning “tiny, small, humble, modest.” It is a common name in countries and ethnicities with a Christian heritage (Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism) and, beyond Europe, in Christian religious communities throughout the world. The name exists since Roman times. It derives from the Roman family name Paulus or Paullus - in particular in the Roman patrician family of the Gens “group of people, clan” Aemilia. Paul the Apostle, original name Saul of Tarsus, was a Christian missionary who took the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Paulina might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In norwegian and icelandic, Paulina may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Paulina commonly used?
Paulina spans multiple cultures, including norwegian, icelandic, swedish, and 3 other traditions. Though latin in origin, Paulina found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Paulina, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Latin “Paulus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “parvus > parvulus,” meaning “tiny, small, humble, modest.” It is a common name in countries and ethnicities with a Christian heritage (Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism) and, beyond Europe, in Christian religious communities throughout the world. The name exists since Roman times. It derives from the Roman family name Paulus or Paullus - in particular in the Roman patrician family of the Gens “group of people, clan” Aemilia. Paul the Apostle, original name Saul of Tarsus, was a Christian missionary who took the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Paulina into their naming traditions. A child named Paulina will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Paulina is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Paulina?
Paulina carries associations with BIBLICAL / RELIGION (POPES) / RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Latin “Paulus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “parvus > parvulus,” meaning “tiny, small, humble, modest.” It is a common name in countries and ethnicities with a Christian heritage (Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism) and, beyond Europe, in Christian religious communities throughout the world. The name exists since Roman times. It derives from the Roman family name Paulus or Paullus - in particular in the Roman patrician family of the Gens “group of people, clan” Aemilia. Paul the Apostle, original name Saul of Tarsus, was a Christian missionary who took the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In latin culture, where Paulina originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Paulina sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Paulina often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In norwegian communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.