Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Paulina

Paulina is a female form of Paul used mainly among the Spanish, Polish and English. Paul ultimately finds his etymological roots in an Old Roman family name which was derived from a nickname during the classical era. The Latin word “Paulus” means “small” (as in the sense of humility). Even though Paulus originated as a pre-Christian name in ancient Rome, it was mainly the Biblical Paul who served to popularize the name in his honor throughout medieval Europe. Most people are aware that Paul is borne from the New Testament as one of the most influential Christian missionaries who lived in the first century at the time of rising Christian beliefs. Originally called Saul, he was a Jewish-Roman citizen raised in Jerusalem and over-zealous in his determination to imprison and even execute Christians. This all changed on Paul’s “Damascus Road experience” (a term still used in referring to the precise moment when a person develops a personal relationship with God/Jesus). In Paul’s case, he was going to Damascus to capture some more of those pesky Christians when suddenly a bright light appeared and blinded him. “Who are you, Lord?” Paul asked, to which a voice replied: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” [Acts 9:4]. Uh-oh. Sounds like Paul got caught in a pretty big faux-pas right in front of the Main Man. Fortunately for Paul, his immediate conversion is successful, his sight is restored and he goes onto become one of the most important early Christian leaders and a prolific spreader of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean. As a name of Christian importance Paul and his female counterparts have enjoyed widespread and enduring usage in Western Culture. Paulina is a female form used by the English, Polish and Spanish most notably. Some other versions you may recognize: Paula (English, Spanish); Paola (Italian); Pauline (French, German and Scandinavian); Paulette (French) and Polina (Russian). Paulina is currently a Top 25 favorite girl’s name in Poland and a Top 60 in Chile; it also does quite well in Germany, too.

All About the Baby Name – Paulina

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME PAULINA

The number 11 is a Master Number, and embodies heightened traits of the Two. This personality is on a life journey to find spiritual truth. They are extremely idealistic and intuitive. Elevens have a rare and exceptional spiritual energy that brings a sense of obligation to illuminate the world around them. It's a very powerful responsibility, but these people have far more potential than they know. It's important that they surrender to higher ideals. They have the capacity to see the bigger picture, and they possess the skills to inspire others spiritually. Elevens have strong diplomatic skills and can become great peacemakers. Master numbers can be both a blessing and a curse, as they walk the fine line between greatness and the potential for self-destruction.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME PAULINA

Pretty Paulina has had a somewhat perplexing ride on the U.S. naming charts. This name was round in the late 19th century but by 1900 it had completely fallen from usage. Paulina’s retirement from circulation would last for 90 consecutive years (except for one or two blips in the 1920s). In the meantime, Paula has always done quite well with high placements on the Top 1000 list throughout the 20th century. Paulina finally emerged on the charts in 1988 which we believe was influenced by the 1980s supermodel, Czechoslovakian-born Paulina Porizkova, who happened to be on every magazine cover at the time. Paulina reached as high as position #365 in 2002 but has since been retreating backwards. However, we will say this: Paulina is now more popular than Paula even though both names seem to be out of style today (although the Italian Paola has them both beat). This surprises us a little with Paulina. The name is pretty, flowery and three-syllables ending in a girly “a” suffix – this lovely name is due for revival before she ventures too far down that Top 1000 list again. She’s much too pretty to be ignored! The French Paulette is also a name to reconsider.

Quick Facts

ON PAULINA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

825

PRONUNCIATION:

paw-LEE-na

SIMPLE MEANING:

Small, humble

Characteristics

OF PAULINA

Inspirational

Highly Intuitive

Spiritual Teacher

Extremely Bright

Uplifting

Truth-seeker

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Paulina

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME PAULINA

Paulina is a Sicilian noblewoman in William Shakespeare’s 1623 pastoral play, The Winter’s Tale. She is a strong and courageous woman. When the king, Leontes, condemns his pregnant wife, Hermione, to death for his mistaken assumption of her infidelity, it is Paulina who steps to the forefront. She fiercely defends Hermione’s good name and excoriates the king for his brutal treatment of her. For this she is subjected to horrendous abuse, but she does not bend. After Hermione is (supposedly) put to death, Paulina still seems to have some sway in the court, declaring that Leontes will not marry again until she, Paulina, finds a suitable wife for him, a condition with which he complies, now being aware of his arrogant wrongdoing. At play’s end, when a statue to Hermione has been erected, it is Paulina who breathes life into in, restoring her to life and reuniting her with her husband and daughter. Order is restored to the court, and Paulina takes on a new husband (that first one was a bit wishy-washy for her). All in a day’s work for Paulina.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME PAULINA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Paulina


Popular Songs

ON PAULINA

Paulina
a song by The Hippos

Famous People

NAMED PAULINA

Paulina Porizkova (80s supermodel)
Paulina Rubio (Mexican singer)
Paulina Gerzon (actress)
Paulina Longworth Sturm (American socialite and granddaughter of Teddy Roosevelt)
Paulina the Elder (mother of Roman Emperor Hadrian)
Paulina the Younger (sister of the Roman Emperor Hadrian)
Saint Paulina (Brazilian saint)

Children of Famous People

NAMED PAULINA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Paulina

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME PAULINA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Paulina