Pauline is a female given name of Latin origin, derived from the feminine form of the Latin word "Paulus," which means "small" or "humble." The name was originally used by early Christians as an epithet for Saint Paul the Apostle, who was one of the most influential figures in the spread of Christianity.
The first recorded use of the name Pauline can be traced back to the 12th century in France. It was not particularly popular during this time, but it began to gain popularity among the French nobility in the late Middle Ages. The name was often given to girls who were born on or near St. Paul's Day, which falls on January 25th.
Over time, Pauline became more widely used throughout Europe, particularly in France and Germany. In the 19th century, it was a popular choice among the French bourgeoisie, and it continued to be used into the early 20th century. Today, Pauline is still used as a given name for girls, although its popularity has waned somewhat since the mid-20th century.
Overall, Pauline is a classic and elegant name with a rich history dating back over centuries. Its Latin origins give it a strong connection to ancient times and early Christianity, while its widespread use throughout Europe makes it a familiar and well-known name around the world.
The name Pauline has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States. In the late 19th century, the number of girls named Pauline at birth fluctuated between 144 and 393 annually from 1880 to 1889.
However, it was during the early 20th century that the name Pauline reached its peak popularity. Between 1900 and 1917, the number of newborn girls named Pauline increased dramatically, from 1104 in 1900 to a peak of 7222 in 1918. This period marked a significant trend towards naming girls after traditional names like Pauline.
The following decade saw a decline in the popularity of the name Pauline, with the number of newborn girls named Pauline dropping from 6973 in 1919 to 4655 in 1930. Despite this decline, the name remained relatively common during this period.
From 1930 onwards, the popularity of the name Pauline continued to decline steadily. Between 1930 and 1970, the number of newborn girls named Pauline decreased from 4191 in 1931 to a low of 548 in 1971.
The latter half of the 20th century saw further fluctuations in the popularity of the name Pauline. Between 1971 and 1996, the number of newborn girls named Pauline ranged between 548 and 296 annually. However, from 1997 onwards, there was a notable decrease in the popularity of the name Pauline, with fewer than 300 girls being named Pauline each year.
Despite its decline in popularity over recent decades, the name Pauline remains relatively uncommon today. According to data from 2020 and 2021, only 57 and 63 girls respectively were named Pauline at birth in the United States. However, it is worth noting that the total number of births each year has increased significantly over time, meaning that even a small percentage of newborns being named Pauline still represents several thousand babies each year.
In conclusion, while the name Pauline has seen significant peaks and troughs in popularity over the past century and a half, its enduring appeal can be seen in its continued usage today. Despite being less popular than it once was, Pauline remains an uncommon yet distinctive name choice for parents seeking to honor tradition while also standing out from more common names.