Date
Gender Masculine
Usage Spanish, Portuguese
Pronounced Pron. /pau̯.ˈli.no/(Spanish) /paw.ˈlĩ.nu/(European Portuguese) /paw.ˈli.nu/(Brazilian Portuguese)
Meaning & History
Spanish and Portuguese form of the Roman family name Paulinus, which was itself derived from Paulus (see Paul). Saint Paulinus of Nola was a 5th-century nobleman from Gaul who gave up his wealthy lifestyle and became bishop of Nola. He was also noted for his poetry. Another saint by this name was a 7th-century missionary to England who became the first bishop of York.