Paulsen is a Danish, Norwegian and German patronymic surname, from the given name Paul prefix, of Latin origin, itself derived from Paulus, meaning "small". People with the name Paulsen include: Albert Paulsen (1925–2004), Ecuadorian-American actor 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 (born 1987), Chilean politician Edvin Paulsen (1889–1963), Norwegian gymnast Erik Paulsen (born 1965), former US Representative from Minnesota Frederik Paulsen Sr (1909–1997), Medical Doctor and the founder of Ferring Pharmaceuticals Frederik Paulsen Jr (born 1950), businessman, son of the founder of Ferring Pharmaceuticals Fridtjof Paulsen (1895–1988), Norwegian speed skater Friedrich Paulsen (1846–1908), German philosopher Gary Paulsen (1939–2021), American writer Harald Paulsen (1895–1954), German actor Harold Paulsen, American collegiate ice hockey player Jan Paulsen (born 1935), 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 (born 1939), Swedish politician Nancy Paulsen, publisher of Nancy Paulsen Books at Penguin Group Otto A. Paulsen (1875–1957), American farmer and politician Pat Paulsen (1927–1997), American comedian Rob Paulsen (born 1956), American voice actor See also Paulson Paulsson Poulsen Norwegian-language surnames Danish-language surnames Patronymic surnames Surnames from given names