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Polina

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Polina Pronunciation

Polina is pronounced pah-LEE-nah /pɑˈli.nɑ/High

Meaning: Small, humble; Russian form of Pauline/Paulina, feminine of Latin PaulusMedium

In 30 seconds: The Russian everyday form of Paulina — Latin for 'small' — with a possible secret thread back to Apollo. Ballet-school elegance, samovar warmth.

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Origin MediumRussian, Latin

MeaningSmall, humble; Russian form of Pauline/Paulina, feminine of Latin Paulus

U.S. rank (2024)#3310 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births48 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,286

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Polina is the Russian form of Paulina, the feminine of Latin Paulus, 'small, humble' — a Roman family name spread across Europe by St. Paul. Some Russian references also derive it as a short form of Apollinariya, ultimately from the god Apollo, giving the name a sunlit second story.

Polina has been a steady Russian favorite for two centuries — in Pushkin's and Dostoevsky's pages, in ballet academies, and on recent lists of Russia's most popular girls' names. In the U.S. it is rare, chosen mainly by Russian and Eastern European families.

Did you know? In Dostoevsky's The Gambler, the narrator's tormenting love is Polina — a name the novelist borrowed from his own turbulent muse, Polina Suslova.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Polina — etymology

Variations

PaulinaPaulineApollinariya

Nicknames

PolyaLina

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Polina…

Paulina— the Latin form behind the Russian name

Alina— a fellow -lina favorite across the Slavic world

Karina— shares the Russian three-syllable elegance

Yelena— another Russian classic familiar in the diaspora

→ See all names like Polina

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Polina?

Polina is pronounced pah-LEE-nah (/pɑˈli.nɑ/). Press play above to hear Polina said aloud.

How do you say Polina?

Polina is said pah-LEE-nah (/pɑˈli.nɑ/). Press play above to hear Polina said aloud.

What does the name Polina mean?

Polina is the Russian form of Paulina, from Latin Paulus, 'small, humble'; some sources also link it to Apollinariya and the god Apollo.

Is Polina a boy or girl name?

Polina is a girl's name.

How popular is Polina?

Polina is rare in the U.S. but ranks among the most popular girls' names in modern Russia.