The area of Pavlikeni has been inhabited since ancient times. From the time of the Thracians is the architectural complex (villa rustic) in the area “Varbovski livadi”, on the territory of which was discovered Ancient ceramic center for production of artistic, domestic and construction ceramics. Such centers were found near the villages of Butovo and Byala Cherkva.
The name Pavlikeni was given to the city by Paulicianists, which were one of the most significant medieval socio-religious movements in the European southeast. The first settlers - the Paulicianists settled in these places in the second half of the 14th century, chased by the Ottoman invasion of the Balkans and the official Orthodox Church. Their settlement was called Marinopoltsi, but the Muslims and the Orthodox from the surrounding villages named it with the name of the sect - Pavlikian. Historical sources prove that both names have been used for centuries.
Pavlikeni is the hometown of the world-famous opera singer Nikola Gyuzelev.