Polina

Small — Associated with meanings like 'small'
Russia origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#3213US 2023
51Births / yr
Falling
1.1kAll-time births
📅 Since 199100
How to pronounce Polina
PAW·LEE·nuh
/ˈpɔ.ˈliː.nə/ · stress on PAW · 3 syllables
Small
Associated with meanings like 'small' · Russia origin

What does Polina mean and where does it come from?

Polina is a diminutive form of the name Apollinaria, derived from the Greek name Apollonios. In Russian and Polish cultures, it has come to be associated with meanings like 'small', 'humble', or even 'from the city of Apollo'. It enjoys popularity in Eastern European countries and is often associate

Cultural significance
Polina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Russia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of small.
Peak popularity
Reached #2447 in 2017 — currently #3213 in the US.
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Related Reading
Russia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Polina?

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

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

How popular is Polina right now?

Falling — down 101 spots — currently #3213 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19952023#3213 · Top 2.4%
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#321351▼ down 101 · -4% births
2022#311253▼ down 200 · -9% births
2021#291258▲ up 771 · +45% births
2020#368340▼ down 1018 · -40% births
2015#266567▲ up 726 · +40% births
2010#339148▲ up 710 · +37% births
2005#410135▲ up 1027 · +52% births
2000#512823▲ up 538 · +35% births
1995#566617

The story of Polina

Polina is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1991. With 1,076 total births recorded, Polina remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5666 in 1995 to #3213 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Polina in 2017:

Polina by decade

Polina peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

DecadeBirths
1990s93
2000s337
2010s606
2020s40
💎With 1,076 total births, Polina is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Polina?

BULGARIAN
Polya
DUTCH
Lien
ENGLISH
Lina
ITALIAN
Lina

How is Polina written in other languages?

Bulgarian), Поліна
Ukrainian

What are the boy versions of Polina?

Common questions about the name Polina

What does the name Polina mean?
Polina means "Small" — a name rooted in Russia 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 Polina?
Polina is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Polina?
Polina originates from Russia tradition. Russia 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 Polina?
Polina is a three-syllable name pronounced P AO1 L IY1 N AH0. 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 Polina?
Polina pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Russia heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.