A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Columbia since 1882
Babies named Columbia per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Columbia's real moment was 1882.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 48 |
| 1900s | 78 |
| 1910s | 218 |
| 1920s | 189 |
| 1930s | 64 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 16 |
| 2020s | 7 |
Meaning & origin
Columbia is a historic American name with strong literary and patriotic connotations. First recorded in 1882, it peaked in that same year, indicating it was most common in the late 19th century. After a long period of decline, its trajectory shows a rising trend since 2022, suggesting a potential revival. While not currently in the top 1000, its revival in the 1880s era makes it a charming choice for those seeking a vintage, meaningful name.
Columbia is a poetic name for the United States, derived from Christopher Columbus. It gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially as a female personification of the nation. The name has been used as a given name since the early 1800s, and its use peaked in the late 19th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Colly, Bee
Sibling names for Columbia
Names that share Columbia's style, for a brother or sister.
