What does Paulina mean and where does it come from?
Paulina is a diminutive form of the name 'Paula,' which originates from the Latin name 'Paulus,' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' It is widely used in Spanish-speaking countries, as well as in Poland and Italy. The name has historical significance, often associated with important figures, including Sain
Cultural significance
Paulina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #366 in 2002 — currently #784 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Paulina?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Paulina?
Paulina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Paulina Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Paulina Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Paulina Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Paulina Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Paulina Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Paulina Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Paulina right now?
Holding steady — currently #784 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #784 | 346 | ▼ down 2 · -4% births |
| 2024 | #782 | 361 | ▼ down 8 · -1% births |
| 2023 | #774 | 364 | ▲ up 21 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #795 | 356 | ▲ up 2 |
| 2021 | #797 | 355 | ▲ up 28 · +9% births |
| 2020 | #825 | 327 | ▲ up 54 · +4% births |
| 2015 | #879 | 314 | ▼ down 157 · -19% births |
| 2010 | #722 | 390 | ▼ down 324 · -51% births |
| 2005 | #398 | 788 | ▲ up 79 · +37% births |
| 2000 | #477 | 574 | ▲ up 72 · +34% births |
| 1995 | #549 | 428 | ▲ up 19 · +5% births |
| 1990 | #568 | 409 | ▲ up 1338 · +605% births |
| 1985 | #1906 | 58 | ▲ up 108 · +12% births |
| 1980 | #2014 | 52 | ▲ up 266 · +44% births |
| 1975 | #2280 | 36 | — |
The story of Paulina
Paulina has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 18,345 babies have received this name. Once ranked #571 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #774 in 2023. Paulina is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Paulina in 2002:
Paulina by decade
Paulina peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 86 | |
| 1890s | 120 | |
| 1900s | 89 | |
| 1910s | 232 | |
| 1920s | 474 | |
| 1930s | 246 | |
| 1940s | 179 | |
| 1950s | 228 | |
| 1960s | 326 | |
| 1970s | 452 | |
| 1980s | 1,108 | |
| 1990s | 4,637 | |
| 2000s ★ | 6,556 | |
| 2010s | 3,285 | |
| 2020s | 1,034 | |
What are good nicknames for Paulina?
Famous people named Paulina
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Paulina (Spanish royal)
Paulina held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
P(
Paulina (Flamenco artist)
Paulina carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
P(
Paulina (Latin American historical figure)
Paulina used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
P(
Paulina (Spanish royal)
Paulina held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Paulina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Paulina also consider these
How is Paulina written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Paulina?
Common questions about the name Paulina
What does the name Paulina mean?
Paulina means "Latin" — a name rooted in Spanish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Paulina?
Paulina is currently ranked #774 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Paulina have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Paulina?
Paulina originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Paulina?
Paulina is a three-syllable name pronounced paw-LEE-nuh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Paulina?
Paulina pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.