Paulina

small — Associated with important figures
Spanish origin · Girl name
0% boys100% girls
#784US 2025
346Births / yr
Stable
19.1kAll-time births
📅 Since 188000.05% of births at peak
How to pronounce Paulina
paw·LEE·nuh
/ˌpɔ.ˈliː.nə/ · stress on LEE · 3 syllables
small
Associated with important figures · Spanish origin

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
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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
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Paulina
Browse ideas →

How popular is Paulina right now?

Holding steady — currently #784 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 18802025#784 · Top 0.58%
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2025#784346▼ down 2 · -4% births
2024#782361▼ down 8 · -1% births
2023#774364▲ up 21 · +2% births
2022#795356▲ up 2
2021#797355▲ up 28 · +9% births
2020#825327▲ up 54 · +4% births
2015#879314▼ down 157 · -19% births
2010#722390▼ down 324 · -51% births
2005#398788▲ up 79 · +37% births
2000#477574▲ up 72 · +34% births
1995#549428▲ up 19 · +5% births
1990#568409▲ up 1338 · +605% births
1985#190658▲ up 108 · +12% births
1980#201452▲ up 266 · +44% births
1975#228036

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 →

DecadeBirths
1880s86
1890s120
1900s89
1910s232
1920s474
1930s246
1940s179
1950s228
1960s326
1970s452
1980s1,108
1990s4,637
2000s6,556
2010s3,285
2020s1,034

What are good nicknames for Paulina?

BULGARIAN
Polya
DUTCH
Lien
ENGLISH
Lina
ITALIAN
Lina

Famous people named Paulina

P(
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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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.