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 businessmanAxel Paulsen (1855–1938), Norwegian figure skaterDave Paulsen, American basketball coachDavid Paulsen, American television screenwriter and producerEdvin Paulsen (1889–1963), Norwegian gymnastErik Paulsen (born 1965), US Representative from MinnesotaFrederik Paulsen Sr (born 1909), Medical Doctor and the founder of Ferring PharmaceuticalsFrederik Paulsen Jr (born 1950), businessman, son of the founder of Ferring PharmaceuticalsFridtjof Paulsen (1895–1988), Norwegian speed skaterFriedrich Paulsen (1846–1908), German philosopherGary Paulsen (born 1939), American writerHarald Paulsen (1895–1954), German actorHarold Paulsen, American collegiate ice hockey playerJan Paulsen (born 1935), President of the General Conference of Seventh-day AdventistsJulius Paulsen (1860-1940), Danish painterKai Paulsen (1947–2002), Norwegian journalistKraig Paulsen, American State Representative in IowaLeif Otto Paulsen, Norwegian football midfielderLisa Paulsen, American CEO, President of the Entertainment Industry FoundationLiv Paulsen (1925–2001), Norwegian sprinter and shot putterLouis Paulsen (1833–1891), German chess playerMarianne Paulsen, Norwegian football defenderMarit Paulsen (born 1939), Swedish politicianPat Paulsen (1927–1997), American comedianRob Paulsen (born 1956), American voice actor