Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Pauline
GirlFrench, Latin· “French feminine of Paul, small”
- Meaning
- French feminine of Paul, small
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- paw-LEEN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,986
- US babies 2025
- 56
- Best rank
- #32 (1915)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Pauline
Pauline is a French and Latin name that means “French feminine of Paul, small”.
Pauline is the French feminine form of Paul, from the Latin Paulus, meaning small or humble. The name was used in the Roman world and later honored the apostle Paul. Pauline became popular in France and then in English-speaking countries in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Notable bearers include Pauline Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon, and film critic Pauline Kael. It is said paw-LEEN. Pauline has a vintage, graceful style that is being rediscovered. Polly and Paula are related names, and Paulette and Paulina are other feminine forms of Paul.
Popularity over time
Pauline has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 118 different years. Its best national rank was #32 in 1915, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 7,222 were named Pauline. In 2025, 56 babies were named Pauline, and it ranked #2,986 nationally. That is 28% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #36 in 1920, #163 in 1950, #630 in 1980, #1,303 in 2000, #3,111 in 2010, and #2,986 in 2025. Of the 226,404 US girls named Pauline since records began, 28% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 50,075 babies. Since 2010, 957 more have been named Pauline.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Hazel, Edith, Esther, Ethel, and Gertrude.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Pauline ranked highest in Illinois and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | #1574 | 5 |
| California | #2234 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Pauline is usually pronounced paw-LEEN, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with P and ends in “-ne”.
Middle names for Pauline
A few middle names that flow with Pauline: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Pauline
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Lists that include Pauline
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Pauline mean?
Pauline is a French and Latin name that means “French feminine of Paul, small”.
What is the origin of the name Pauline?
Pauline has French and Latin roots. Pauline is the French feminine form of Paul, from the Latin Paulus, meaning small or humble.
Is Pauline a popular name?
Not especially. Pauline ranked #2,986 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Pauline a boy or girl name?
Pauline is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Pauline?
Pauline is usually pronounced paw-LEEN. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings