Columba

“Dove”

Latin origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#649US 2023

1.6kBirths / yr

→Stable

43All-time births

📅 Since 191900

How to pronounce Columba

koh·LUHMB·uh

/ˌkoʊ.ˈləmb.ə/ · stress on LUHMB · 3 syllables

“Dove”

Latin origin · Girl name

What does Columba mean and where does it come from?

Columba is of Latin origin meaning 'dove', symbolizing peace and harmony. The name is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries and has strong historical ties in Scotland, particularly due to Saint Columba (Colum Cille), who is credited with spreading Christianity in Scotland. The name is often as

Cultural significance

Columba has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dove.

Peak popularity

Reached #4736 in 1919 — currently #649 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Columba?

Columba works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Columba Grace

How popular is Columba right now?

Holding steady — currently #649 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#649 · Top 0.48%

1980

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#649	1,551	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#654	1,531	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#659	1,501	▲ up 12672 · +24917% births
2000	#13331	6	▼ down 2665 · +20% births
1980	#10666	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Columba

Best Year2023Rank #649

Peak Count1,551

Average Rank#5192

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1980 - 20235 years

The story of Columba

Columba entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 43 total births recorded, Columba remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10666 in 1980 to #649 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Columba in 1919:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Columba by decade

Columba peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	6
1970s	10
1980s	5
1990s ★	16
2000s	6

💎Columba has only 43 total recorded births since 1919 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Columba?

ENGLISH

Coleman

GERMAN

KolmanKoloman

IRISH

ColemanColmánColumban

ITALIAN

Colombano

Famous people named Columba

Columba (historical Roman figure)

Columba carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.

Columba (Roman senator or statesman)

Columba held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.

👑

Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Columba?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Columba also consider these

How is Columba written in other languages?

What are the boy versions of Columba?

Colombe FRENCH Colomba ITALIAN Colombina ITALIAN Columbine ENGLISH Malcolm ENGLISH Malcom ENGLISH Colombano ITALIAN Columbanus LATE ROMAN Máel Coluim SCOTTISH Malcolm SCOTTISH Malina SCOTTISH

Common questions about the name Columba

What does the name Columba mean?

Columba means "Dove" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Columba?

Columba is currently ranked #649 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Columba?

Columba originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Columba?

Columba is a three-syllable name pronounced K OW2 L AH1 M B AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Columba?

Columba pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.