Columbus
Columbus: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /kəˈlʌmbəs/
Meaning and origin of Columbus
Root meaning: “a dove”
- A male given name from Latin.
Etymology
From Latin columbus (“a dove”). Doublet of Colombo. The common noun and verb are references to the Italian explorer.
How popular is Columbus?
Since 1880, 7,517 boys in the U.S. have been named Columbus. Its highest rank for boys was #192 in 1880. Fewer than 5 babies per sex were given the name in 2025, so it does not appear in that year's SSA data.
Names similar to Columbus
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Latin boy names
Sibling name ideas for Columbus
Sister and brother names that share Columbus's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Columbus FAQ
What does the name Columbus mean?
Columbus traces back to a root meaning "a dove". A male given name from Latin. From Latin columbus (“a dove”). Doublet of Colombo. The common noun and verb are references to the Italian explorer.
What is the origin of the name Columbus?
Columbus is listed as a name of Latin origin.
How popular is the name Columbus?
Since 1880, 7,517 boys in the U.S. have been named Columbus. Its highest rank for boys was #192 in 1880. Fewer than 5 babies per sex were given the name in 2025, so it does not appear in that year's SSA data.
Is Columbus a boy or girl name?
Columbus is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 7,517 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.