Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Paulene is a feminine name derived from the Latin 'Paulus,' meaning small or humble. It evolved from historical forms such as Paulus and Paul, maintaining its meaning throughout its linguistic journey. The name has biblical significance due to its association with Saint Paul. While it gained popularity in the 20th century as a variant of Pauline, it is currently viewed as a classic and elegant choice.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/pɔːˈliːn/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Paulene is a feminine form of the name Paul, which comes from the Latin name 'Paulus,' meaning 'small' or 'humble.'
Meaning
small, humble
Language Evolution
Paulus (Latin), Paulus (Old French), Paul (English), Paulene (Modern English)
Biblical Background
The name Paul is associated with Saint Paul, a key figure in the New Testament who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity.
Historical Usage
The name Paulene emerged in the 20th century as a variant of the more common name Pauline, gaining popularity in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Pauline, Paula, Polly
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Paulene is perceived as a classic and elegant name, though it is less common than its variants.
Famous People
Paulene Myers, an American actress, Paulene Stone, a British actress
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 40 peak births in 1920
Geographic Spread
Popular across 5 US states, with strongest presence in Kentucky
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (5 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 5 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1599th of 9107 | 447 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1650th of 9204 | 429 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2620th of 12526 | 355 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5527th of 19264 | 146 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 17086th of 27321 | 28 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 29526th of 35406 | 11 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
100.00% 1416th/1416 |
86.95% 1199th/1379 |
100.00% 2366th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
95.75% 2253rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - |
83.32% 2312th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Kentucky across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1599th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1650th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2620th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5527th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 17086th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 29526th out of 35406 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.