Paloma

Pronunciation: [ p-ahl-OHM-uh ]

Girl Name #969 Most Popular Rising 3 Syllables

Spanish for dove — peace, grace, and timeless elegance

Spanish Mexican Latin American Italian

Elegant Earthy Gentle Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"dove"

Origin: Latin palumba

Language: Spanish

"peace, love (symbolic)"

Origin: Dove symbolism

Language: Multiple

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.

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

Famous People Named Paloma

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'

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.

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

Pairs Well With

Paloma Sol Paloma Isabela Paloma Gracia Paloma Cruz Paloma Valentina Paloma Elena

Sibling Names

Catalina Rafael Esperanza Miguel Marisol Santiago Llorona

Similar Names

Roberta Mona Salome Winona Simona Pilar Wynona Palmer

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Paloma and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Paloma sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name

Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

🧝 Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
🐾 Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
🎭 Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres

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.