Poli is a feminine Bulgarian short form of Polina. While commonly associated with Polina, it traces its origins through a chain that ultimately leads to the Latin name Paulinus, deriving from the Roman family name Paulinus, itself rooted in Paul, which means "small" or "humble" in Latin. This etymological path also connects Poli to Paulina and the masculine form Pavlin. Etymology Poli functions as a pet name, derived by abbreviating Polina to a familiar, affectionate form. The chain of derivations from Paul to Poli passes through Paulino and Paulina. In Bulgarian usage, short forms ending in -i are common for both familiarity and endearment, making Poli a personal, casual variant rather than a formal given name. Notable Bearers Several Bulgarian women named Poli have gained prominence in recent decades. Poli Genova (born 1987) is a singer and television presenter who represented Bulgaria at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011 and again in 2016, finishing fourth. Poli Karastoyanova (born 1969) is a politician and economist who has served in the Bulgarian National Assembly. Outside of Bulgaria, the name has been used in Spain (for boxer Poli Díaz) and Puerto Rico (for artist Poli Marichal). Cultural Significance In Bulgarian naming traditions, short form names often provide a lighter, more friendly alternative to formal full names. They are common among family and friends but rarely appear in official documents as a given name. Poli follows this pattern, acting as a nickname for Polina while still being considered a legitimate standalone given name in certain contexts. At home, a girl might be called Poli within the family but formally registered as Polina, showcasing the dual-level naming system prevalent in many Slavic cultures. Related Names Besides Polina, related variants include Polya, another Bulgarian diminutive. The broader family across languages includes Paulina (Swedish), Palina (Belarusian), Pavlína (Slovak), and other forms such as Pauline, Paulien, and Lien frequent in Germanic and Romance languages, ensuring that despite its short length, Poli shares a wide onomastic network. Meaning: Short form of Polina Origin: Bulgaria Type: Diminutive / short form Usage Regions: Bulgaria, also in Spain and Latin America