Late Middle English; earliest use found in Reginald Pecock (c1392–?1459), bishop of Chichester and religious author. From post-classical Latin Paulianus from the name of Paulus of Samosata, bishop of Antioch 260–268 a.d. and heretic + classical Latin -iānus.

Early 17th century; earliest use found in The Holie Bible faithfully translated into English. From post-classical Latin Paulianus follower or disciple of St Paul from the name of Paulus + classical Latin -iānus; compare Byzantine Greek Παυλιανός.