Origin and Meaning of Pauline
Meaning & Origin
Small or humble
Origin: Latin - Derived from the Latin name 'Paulus', meaning 'small' or 'humble'. The feminine form, Pauline, emerged in the Middle Ages.
Interesting Facts
- Pauline has been used in various European cultures, especially in France and English-speaking countries, where it gained popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- The name was popularized by notable figures such as Saint Pauline, a French nun who founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
- Famous bearers of the name include French author Pauline Réage, known for her controversial novel 'Story of O', and Pauline Kael, an influential American film critic.
- Pauline saw peak popularity in the United States during the late 1910s through the 1930s, although it has since seen a decline in usage.
- Variations and related names include Paula, Paulina, and Polina, each adding a unique cultural or linguistic twist to the original name.