Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Paloma
GirlSpanish, Latin· “dove”
- Meaning
- dove
- Origin
- Spanish, Latin
- Pronunciation
- puh-LOH-muh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #793
- US babies 2025
- 343
- Best rank
- #703 (2010)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Paloma
Paloma is a Spanish and Latin name that means “dove”.
Paloma is the Spanish word for dove, descended from the Latin palumba, a wood pigeon. Doves have long symbolized peace, gentleness and love, and in Christian art the dove represents the Holy Spirit. Paloma has been a given name in Spain and Latin America for generations, and it is also a familiar Spanish surname and place name. It has a gentle, lyrical sound and an appealing nature meaning. Paloma is easy to say in both Spanish and English, and Lola or Palo can serve as affectionate nicknames.
Popularity over time
Paloma first appears in US Social Security records in 1921. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 31 different years, starting in 1993. Its best national rank was #703 in 2010, and the most babies received it in 2009, when 411 were named Paloma. In 2025, 343 babies were named Paloma, and it ranked #793 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,925 in 1980, #898 in 2000, #703 in 2010, and #793 in 2025. Of the 10,765 US girls named Paloma since records began, 30% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 3,065 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Mareli, Milagros, Jordynn, Cailyn, and Taraji.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Paloma ranked highest in New Mexico, California, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #288 | 6 |
| California | #430 | 78 |
| Illinois | #466 | 23 |
| Washington | #507 | 14 |
| Arizona | #509 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Paloma is usually pronounced puh-LOH-muh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with P and ends in “-ma”.
Middle names for Paloma
A few middle names that flow with Paloma: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Paloma
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Lists that include Paloma
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Paloma mean?
Paloma is a Spanish and Latin name that means “dove”.
What is the origin of the name Paloma?
Paloma has Spanish and Latin roots. Paloma is the Spanish word for dove, descended from the Latin palumba, a wood pigeon.
Is Paloma a popular name?
Yes. Paloma ranked #793 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Paloma a boy or girl name?
Paloma is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Paloma?
Paloma is usually pronounced puh-LOH-muh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings