Pavlina is a name of Bulgarian origin, derived from the Slavic elements "pavli" meaning "humble" or "simple", and "-in(a)" which is a suffix used to create feminine names. The name Pavlina is often associated with St. Paulinus of Nola, an Italian bishop who lived in the 5th century AD.
The name Pavlina has been popular among Bulgarian families for centuries and can be found in various spellings such as Pavla, Pavlija, and even Pavlina's male counterpart, Pavlino. In Bulgaria, it is often used as a diminutive form of the names Pavel or Pavle, which are derived from the Latin name Paulus meaning "small" or "humble".
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Pavlina, although none reached the fame of St. Paulinus of Nola. One example is Pavlina Tcherneva, a Bulgarian folk singer and songwriter who was active in the early 20th century.
Today, Pavlina remains a popular name among Bulgarian families and has gained international recognition as well. It is often used as a middle name or given name to newborn girls, offering parents a unique and meaningful option with a rich history behind it.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Pavlina has seen a consistent level of usage over time in the United States. Over a span of nearly two decades, from 1997 to 2022, there were a total of 10 babies named Pavlina born in the U.S., with an average of approximately five births per year during these years. This indicates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, Pavlina has maintained a steady presence among baby names chosen by parents in America during this period.