Pauline

small
France origin · Unisex name
0% boys100% girls
#1779US 2023
421Births / yr
Stable
226.9kAll-time births
📅 Since 1880🏆 51 years in top 1000.64% of births at peak
How to pronounce Pauline
paw·LEEN
/pɔ.ˈliːn/ · stress on LEEN · 2 syllables
small
France origin · Unisex name

What does Pauline mean and where does it come from?

Pauline is the French feminine form of Paul, which means 'small' or 'humble'. The name started to gain popularity during the 19th century and has been used in various countries, especially in French-speaking regions. Notable figures with the name include Pauline Bonaparte, the sister of Napoleon Bon

Cultural significance
Pauline has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of small.
Peak popularity
Reached #32 in 1915 — currently #1779 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

What middle names flow best with Pauline?

Pauline works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Pauline Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Pauline Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pauline Mae
Sweet · timeless
Pauline Claire
French influence · crisp
Pauline Jane
Literary · strong
Pauline Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Pauline
Browse ideas →

How popular is Pauline right now?

Holding steady — currently #1779 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 18802023#1779 · Top 1.3%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#1779421▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022#1784401▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021#1789371▲ up 1245 · +613% births
2020#303452▼ down 657 · -32% births
2015#237777▲ up 697 · +43% births
2010#307454▼ down 1344 · -53% births
2005#1730114▼ down 426 · -22% births
2000#1304146▼ down 411 · -31% births
1995#893212▼ down 137 · -23% births
1990#756274▼ down 34 · +15% births
1985#722238▼ down 88 · -17% births
1980#634287▼ down 115 · -16% births
1975#519340▼ down 142 · -46% births
1970#377633▼ down 72 · -27% births
1965#305873

The story of Pauline

Pauline has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #32 in 1915. More than 226,877 babies have been named Pauline since 1880. Once ranked #115 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1779 in 2023. Pauline is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Pauline in 1915:

Pauline by decade

Pauline peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

DecadeBirths
1880s2,594
1890s6,652
1900s13,339
1910s50,211
1920s64,298
1930s33,896
1940s21,998
1950s14,480
1960s8,956
1970s4,009
1980s2,483
1990s2,186
2000s1,094
2010s629
2020s52

What are good nicknames for Pauline?

BULGARIAN
Polya
DUTCH
Lien
ENGLISH
Lina
ITALIAN
Lina

Common questions about the name Pauline

What does the name Pauline mean?
Pauline means "small" — a name rooted in France 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 Pauline?
Pauline is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Pauline?
Pauline originates from France tradition. France 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 Pauline?
Pauline is a two-syllable name pronounced P AO0 L IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Pauline a common or rare name?
Pauline is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.