Rising since 1986, #792 for girls today.
Popularity of Paloma since 1921
Babies named Paloma per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 17 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 131 |
| 1980s | 699 |
| 1990s | 1,877 |
| 2000s | 3,065 |
| 2010s | 3,230 |
| 2020s | 1,741 |
Meaning & origin
Paloma is a Spanish name meaning 'dove,' a gentle and peaceful symbol deeply rooted in Christian iconography. The name has been in use in the United States since at least 1921, but its popularity saw a steady rise beginning in the 1980s, with a notable peak in 2010. As of 2025, it ranks 792nd in national usage, given to roughly 1 in 4,686 girls. The name has seen particular favor in New Mexico, Nevada, and Oregon, reflecting its appeal in regions with Hispanic cultural influence. Its trajectory suggests a quiet, sustained popularity rather than a fleeting trend, making it a meaningful choice for parents drawn to nature and virtue names.
Paloma is derived from the Spanish word for 'dove.' It is a direct feminine name, referencing the Christian symbolism of the dove representing the Holy Spirit and peace. The name has been used in Spanish-speaking cultures for centuries, often chosen for its gentle and serene connotations.
Where Paloma is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Paloma” around the world
Where Paloma lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
230
babies in 2024
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pali, Loma, Palomita
Sibling names for Paloma
Names that share Paloma's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Lucia, Sofia, Isabella, Valentina, Camila, Alondra, Elvira, Kallie, Lluvia, Lolita, Luz, Marisol, Mercedes, Mireya, Montserrat, Odalys, Tierra, Valencia, Adelita, Carmina, Damita, Isaura, Jacinda, Marbella, Marysol, Mercedez, Sonora, Sulema, Araseli, Asucena, Carmalita, Consuella, Erendira, Estefana, Estrellita, Irlanda, Lavanda, Mariposa, Montoya, Monzerrat, Nereyda, Ranita, Solimar, Alegria, Atalaya, Belita, Celita, Itzamara, Perlita, Quintana, Yunuen, Amaranta, Aracelie, Cayetana, Chimene, Delita, Estrella, Monseratt, Morayma, Querida, Quetzal, Quetzally, Solita, Topacio, Xitlally
Brothers: Mateo, Santiago, Diego, Gabriel, Javier, Amador, Cordero, Cortez, Hilario, Ismael, Apolonio, Che, Cosme, Eladio, Eriberto, Everardo, Faustino, Fermin, Gabino, Manolo, Narciso, Silvestre, Ubaldo, Vidal, Nicasio, Avelardo, Cordera, Navarro
Names like Paloma
Names whose popularity has moved with Paloma's over the last 50 years.
