Columbia Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Columbia originates from Latin and is derived from Columbus, referring to Christopher Columbus. It means 'dove,' symbolizing peace. The name evolved from Columbus to Columbia and gained prominence in the 18th century amid patriotic sentiments. It carries connotations of freedom and is connected to various institutions and locations, though it does not have biblical relevance.
The name Columbia is most popular in New Jersey, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Columbia has been stalled for female in Northeast. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in Northeast. Across generations, 'Columbia' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1571st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4090th out of 9204 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 27321st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 26403rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 22546th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Columbia' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Columbia"
Pronunciation
/kəˈlʌm.bi.ə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name 'Columbia' is derived from 'Columbus,' which honors Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer credited with discovering the Americas. The suffix '-ia' is commonly used in Latin to denote a place.
Meaning
Dove; a symbol of peace
Language Evolution
Columbus, Columbia
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 18th century as a poetic reference to America and was often used in the context of patriotism during the American Revolution.
Variants & Derivatives
Columbine, Columbiana, Columbian
Modern Popularity & Image
Columbia is often associated with notions of freedom and patriotism, especially in the context of the United States. It is also used in various names of institutions and locations, such as Columbia University.
Famous People
Columbia Pictures (film studio), Columbia University alumni
Explore More Columbia Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Columbia"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Columbia"
"Columbia" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1571st of 9107 | 465 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4090th of 9204 | 89 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 27321st of 27321 | 5 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 26403rd of 35406 | 17 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 22546th of 30306 | 17 |
Regional Popularity of "Columbia" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Columbia" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
50.83% 701st/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
95.76% 1490th/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Columbia"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Columbia" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.