Columba is a feminine given name of Latin origin, meaning "dove." It was popularized by Saint Columba, also known as Colum Cille, who was an Irish abbot and missionary credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland in the 6th century. The name has been widely used throughout Europe since the Middle Ages, particularly in Ireland, Scotland, and Spain.
The statistics regarding the name Columba show a varying level of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1919 and 2000, there were a total of 43 babies born who were named Columba. The most popular years for the name were 1972, 1979, 1980, 1992, 1993, and 1997, each with 5 births. There was also a peak in popularity in 1919 with 6 births, and again in 2000 with another 6 births. Overall, while the name Columba may not have been extremely popular throughout these years, it has seen some fluctuations in its usage as a baby name choice in the United States during this period.