Paulina is a feminine given name with origins tracing back to the Latin language. It is derived from the masculine name Paulus, which means "small" or "humble". The name Paulina has been used in various forms throughout history and across different cultures.
The name Paulus itself was quite popular during Roman times, as it was often used to denote a person who was considered small or humble in stature. As the Roman Empire expanded, so too did the use of this name, with Paulus being adopted by people from diverse backgrounds.
In medieval Europe, Paulina became a popular choice for girls, likely due to the influence of early Christian martyrs named Paulinus. Saint Paulinus of Nola was an Italian bishop who lived in the 5th century and was known for his charitable works. His name was likely the inspiration behind many girl babies being named Paulina during this time period.
Over the centuries, Paulina has remained a staple among female names. In some cultures, it is still predominantly used today, while in others, it may have fallen out of fashion only to be rediscovered and revived by parents looking for unique monikers for their daughters.
Overall, Paulina is an elegant and historic name with roots deeply embedded in Latin culture and early Christianity. Its meaning may vary depending on interpretation, but regardless, this lovely name has stood the test of time and continues to captivate parents seeking beautiful options for their baby girls.
The statistics provided show the annual births of girls named Paulina in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to around 1965, the number of girls named Paulina born each year ranged between a low of 5 births in 1885 and a high of 14 births in 1911. The average number of births per year during this period was approximately 12.
Starting from 1966, there was a significant increase in the number of girls named Paulina born each year. In 1969, the number of births reached 43, and by 1987, it had risen to 138. The peak occurred in 1989 with 295 births.
The trend continued to rise throughout the 1990s, reaching a high of 822 births in 2002. Since then, the number of girls named Paulina born each year has fluctuated but remained relatively stable, ranging between a low of 280 births in 2014 and a high of 362 births in 2023.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been 19,427 girls named Paulina born in the United States. This data reflects the changing popularity of the name Paulina over more than a century and shows that it has become increasingly common since the late 20th century.