Paulsen is a Danish, Norwegian and German patronymic surname, from the given name Paul prefix, of Latin origin, itself derived from Paulus, meaning "small". There are over 200 varied spellings of the surname, including the English language version, Paulson. While Paulsen is a common surname, it is rare as a given name. People with the name Paulsen include:August Paulsen (1871–1927), Danish American businessman Axel Paulsen (1855–1938), Norwegian figure skater Dave Paulsen, American basketball coach David Paulsen, American television screenwriter and producer Diego Paulsen, Chilean politician Edvin Paulsen (1889–1963), Norwegian gymnast Erik Paulsen, former US Representative from Minnesota Frederik Paulsen Sr, Medical Doctor and the founder of Ferring Pharmaceuticals Frederik Paulsen Jr, businessman, son of the founder of Ferring Pharmaceuticals Fridtjof Paulsen (1895–1988), Norwegian speed skater Friedrich Paulsen (1846–1908), German philosopher Gary Paulsen, American writer Harald Paulsen (1895–1954), German actor Harold Paulsen, American collegiate ice hockey player Jan Paulsen, President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists John C. Paulsen, American architect Julius Paulsen (1860-1940), Danish painter Kai Paulsen (1947–2002), Norwegian journalist Keith Paulsen, American engineer Kraig Paulsen, American State Representative in Iowa Leif Otto Paulsen, Norwegian football midfielder Lisa Paulsen, American CEO, President of the Entertainment Industry Foundation Liv Paulsen (1925–2001), Norwegian sprinter and shot putter Louis Paulsen (1833–1891), German chess player Marianne Paulsen, Norwegian football defender Marit Paulsen, Swedish politician Nancy Paulsen, publisher of Nancy Paulsen Books at Penguin Group Pat Paulsen (1927–1997), American comedian Rob Paulsen, American voice actor
