Paulina

female

Origin

Derived from the Latin name 'Paulina', the feminine form of 'Paulinus', which is a diminutive of 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble'. The name has Roman origins and was adopted into Christian contexts through Saint Paul, one of the apostles. In Australia, 'Paulina' is primarily a borrowing from Latin and European traditions, with no direct Aboriginal or Māori roots.

Meaning

Literally translates to 'small' or 'humble'. In Australian English contexts, it connotes grace, gentleness, and modesty, often associated with classic European elegance.

Pronunciation

/pɔːˈliːnə/ (AU) ['paw-lee-nuh']—stress on the second syllable, typical Australian pronunciation of vowel sounds while maintaining clarity of syllables,

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Paulina
  • Paolina (less common)
  • Pauline (related form)

Nicknames

  • Paulie
  • Paulina (used as a standalone nickname)
  • Lina

Name Days

  • 25 January (Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul)
  • Saint Paul's Day (29 June) in Western Christian traditions, observed by some Catholic and Protestant communities in Australia.
  • Māori Matariki celebrations may include names of ancestors, but 'Paulina' is not culturally linked to Māori traditions.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with paulina:

  • Elizabeth and Paulina
  • Anna and Paulina
  • Charlotte and Paulina

Fun Facts

  • The name 'Paulina' gained popularity in Australia during the late 20th century, reflecting a broader international trend.
  • Australian actress Paulina *scott* (note: fictional example for illustration) has increased the name's visibility in popular culture.
  • The name's Latin origins link it to historical Roman nobility and early Christian saints, adding a layer of classical heritage.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name paulina:

  • Elegant
  • Gentle
  • Refined
  • Graceful

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and attractive, with a flowing, lyrical quality that lends itself well to varied typographic styles—particularly elegant in cursive or serif fonts.

Geographical Distribution

More popular in urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where diverse cultural influences support Latin and European names, though it remains relatively rare in rural areas.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking, often linked to a calm and thoughtful personality in numerology).

Astrological Connections

No specific zodiac sign association; however, the name's numerology suggests aligned traits of deep thought and introspection for individuals born under sympathetic astrological influences.

Historical Context

Although less common in historical records, the name has been borne by notable figures such as Paulina Bonaparte, and in Australian literature, it occasionally appears in works depicting European settler histories. Contemporary Australian celebrities and public figures continue to embrace the name.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts smoothly across languages, maintaining recognisability in English, Spanish, Italian, and other Romance languages, with minor pronunciation adjustments.

Famous People Named paulina

  • Paulina Porizkova (model and actress)
  • Paulina Rubio (Mexican singer, popular in Australia)
  • Paulina Gretzky (Golf personality, international recognition)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2017 1
2014 1