Paloma

“dove” — Symbol of peace and purity

Spanish origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#974US 2023

265Births / yr

↓Falling

9.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 192100.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Paloma

pah·LOH·muh

/pɑ.ˈloʊ.mə/ · stress on LOH · 3 syllables

“dove”

Symbol of peace and purity · Spanish origin

What does Paloma mean and where does it come from?

Paloma is a name of Spanish origin meaning 'dove', a symbol of peace and purity. It has been a popular name in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, and it has gained traction in the United States since the latter part of the 20th century. Famous personalities with this name include Paloma Pic

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #699 in 2010 — currently #974 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Paloma?

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

Paloma Grace

How popular is Paloma right now?

Declining — down 15 spots — currently #974 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#974 · Top 0.72%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#974	265	▼ down 15 · -5% births
2022	#959	280	▼ down 76 · -9% births
2021	#883	309	▲ up 56 · +14% births
2020	#939	271	▼ down 41 · -11% births
2015	#898	306	▼ down 199 · -25% births
2010	#699	407	▲ up 140 · +35% births
2005	#839	302	▲ up 56 · +23% births
2000	#895	245	▲ up 114 · +33% births
1995	#1009	184	▲ up 213 · +33% births
1990	#1222	138	▲ up 639 · +130% births
1985	#1861	60	▲ up 1034 · +94% births
1980	#2895	31	▲ up 3223 · +244% births
1975	#6118	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Paloma

Best Year2010Rank #699

Peak Count407

Average Rank#1553

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 202313 years

The story of Paloma

Paloma entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. With 9,282 total births recorded, Paloma remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6118 in 1975 to #974 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Paloma in 2010:

Isabella Sophia Emma Olivia Ava

Paloma by decade

Paloma peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	17
1960s	5
1970s	130
1980s	699
1990s	1,875
2000s	3,064
2010s ★	3,221
2020s	271

💎With 9,282 total births, Paloma is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Paloma?

Common

PalPaliePalyOma

Famous people named Paloma

Paloma (Spanish conquistador or explorer)

Paloma bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.

Paloma (Latin American historical figure)

Paloma used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.

Paloma (Spanish royal)

Paloma held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.

Paloma (Spanish conquistador or explorer)

Paloma bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Paloma?

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

Aloma

Spanish · Gentle, Peaceful

Saloma

Israel · peaceful

Pahola

Spanish · gift of God

American · The name Tacoma

Karoma

American · One who is

Natoma

American · A name derived

Common questions about the name Paloma

What does the name Paloma mean?

Paloma means "dove" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Paloma?

Paloma is currently ranked #974 as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Paloma?

Paloma originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Paloma?

Paloma is a three-syllable name pronounced P AA0 L OW1 M 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 Paloma?

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