Paolini is an Italian surname. Notable people with the surname include:

• Brinson Paolini (born 1991), American professional golfer
• Cesare Paolini (1937–1983), Italian architect
• Christopher Paolini (born 1983), American fantasy and science-fiction writer
• Diego Paolini, Italian slalom canoer
• Enrico Paolini (born 1945), Italian racing cyclist
• Gabriele Paolini (born 1974), Italian television prankster and condom advocate
• Giulio Paolini (born 1940), Italian sculptor
• Jasmine Paolini (born 1996), Italian tennis player
• Jean Paolini (1921–2015), French civil servant, prefect of police of Paris
• Lauren Paolini (born 1987), American female volleyball player
• Luca Paolini (born 1977), Italian professional road bicycle racer
• Marco Paolini (born 1956), Italian stage actor, theatre director, dramaturge and author
• Marco Paolini (footballer) (born 1995), Italian footballer
• Pietro Paolini (1603–1681), Italian painter of the Baroque era
• Pio Fabio Paolini or Pio Paolini (1620–1692), Italian painter of the Baroque period