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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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Paloma Rose
Floral · soft ending
Paloma Mae
Sweet · timeless
Paloma Claire
French influence · crisp
Paloma Jane
Literary · strong
Paloma Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Paloma right now?
Declining — down 15 spots — currently #974 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
Famous people named Paloma
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Paloma (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Paloma bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
P(
Paloma (Latin American historical figure)
Paloma used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
P(
Paloma (Spanish royal)
Paloma held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
P(
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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Paloma?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Paloma also consider these
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.