"dove"
Origin: Latin palumba
Language: Spanish
Paloma
Pronunciation: [ p-ahl-OHM-uh ]
Does Paloma flow with your last name?
Spanish for dove — peace, grace, and timeless elegance
Spanish
Mexican
Latin American
Italian
Elegant
Earthy
Gentle
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Paloma
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"peace, love (symbolic)"
Origin: Dove symbolism
Language: Multiple
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The Story of Paloma
Paloma comes from the Latin 'palumba,' meaning pigeon or dove, which evolved into Spanish 'paloma.' The dove is one of humanity's oldest symbols of peace, love, and the divine — it appears as a symbol of the Holy Spirit in Christian tradition, of Aphrodite in Greek mythology, and of peace in secular culture. As a name, Paloma has been beloved in Spanish-speaking cultures for centuries, carrying the soft, peaceful energy of the bird it names.
Paloma gained enormous international visibility through Paloma Picasso, the daughter of Pablo Picasso, who became a celebrated jewelry designer and fashion icon. The name has been growing steadily in the United States as Spanish names enjoy a broader cultural embrace, and it appeals to non-Spanish-speaking parents who love its sound and meaning.
The dove (paloma) is deeply embedded in Spanish and Mexican culture. 'La Paloma' (The Dove) is one of the most recorded songs in history, written in 1861 by Spanish composer Sebastián Iradier; it has been recorded in over 1,000 versions worldwide. In Mexican culture, white doves are central to wedding ceremonies and quinceañeras.
Historical Record
Paloma first appeared in US Social Security records in 1969.
Over 10,399 babies have been named Paloma in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Paloma is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #969 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- 'La Paloma' by Sebastián Iradier (1861) is among the most recorded songs ever, with over 1,000 versions across dozens of musical styles and languages
- Paloma Picasso, born in 1949, has been a leading jewelry designer for Tiffany & Co. since 1980, giving the name a reputation for artistic sophistication
Paloma in Other Languages
Latin
Columba
French
Colombe
Italian
Colomba
Spanish
Paloma
Portuguese
Pomba/Pombinha
Popularity Over Time
#969
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Paloma
P
Paloma Faith
Musician
1981
British singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and eccentric style, with hits including 'Only Love Can Hurt Like...
British singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and eccentric style, with hits including 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This'
P
Paloma Picasso
Artist
1949
French-Spanish jewelry designer and businesswoman, daughter of Pablo Picasso, known for her bold aesthetic at Tiffany & ...
French-Spanish jewelry designer and businesswoman, daughter of Pablo Picasso, known for her bold aesthetic at Tiffany & Co.
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Compare Paloma with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #969
- Total SSA Count
- 267
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Mexican Latin American Italian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Palo
Loma
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Latin American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Spanish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Paloma
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Spanish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paloma
What does the name Paloma mean?
"dove" (from Latin palumba). "peace, love (symbolic)" (from Dove symbolism). Paloma comes from the Latin 'palumba,' meaning pigeon or dove, which evolved into Spanish 'paloma.' The dove is one of humanity's oldest symbols of peace, love, and the divine — it appears as a symbol of the Holy Spirit in Christian tradition, of Aphrodite in Greek mythology, and of peace in secular culture. As a name, Paloma has been beloved in Spanish-speaking cultures for centuries, carrying the soft, peaceful energy of the bird it names.
What is the origin of the name Paloma?
Paloma has Latin palumba, Dove symbolism, Spanish, Mexican, Latin American, and Italian origins. In Latin palumba, it means "dove". In Dove symbolism, it means "peace, love (symbolic)".
Is Paloma a boy or girl name?
Paloma is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Paloma?
Paloma is pronounced p-ahl-OHM-uh.
How popular is the name Paloma?
Paloma is currently ranked #969 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Paloma?
Common nicknames for Paloma include Palo and Loma.
What are good middle names for Paloma?
Popular middle name pairings include Paloma Sol, Paloma Isabela, Paloma Gracia, Paloma Cruz, Paloma Valentina, and Paloma Elena.
What are good sibling names for Paloma?
Names that pair well with Paloma as siblings include Catalina, Rafael, Esperanza, Miguel, Marisol, Santiago, and Llorona.
How many syllables does Paloma have?
Paloma has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Paloma a common or rare name?
Paloma is moderately common, ranked #969 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Paloma
Paloma is a girl name with Spanish, Mexican, Latin American, and Italian origins . The name means "dove" in Latin palumba .
Paloma is currently ranked #969 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Paloma has 3 syllables and is pronounced p-ahl-OHM-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Paloma include Palo and Loma. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis