The dove is one of the world’s most loved symbols. It can represent peace, purity, gentleness, hope, love, and freedom. If you are searching for names that mean dove, you may want a name that carries this calm and beautiful symbolism.
Some names have a direct meaning connected with a dove or pigeon. Others come from words for peace, white birds, or gentle creatures. A few have strong religious, historical, or cultural links to the dove. This gives you many ways to find the right name.
In this guide, you will find girl names, boy names, gender-neutral names, biblical choices, rare names, and international options connected with doves and their symbolism. You will also find names inspired by peace and purity if you want a broader meaning.
Whether you want something classic like Paloma, biblical like Jonah, or rare like Dove, there is a peaceful choice waiting for you.
Quick Checklist Before Choosing a Dove-Inspired Name
- Decide whether you want a name that literally means dove or one inspired by its symbolism.
- Check the name’s original language and traditional meaning.
- Consider whether you prefer a classic, rare, biblical, or modern name.
- Say the full name aloud to check its flow.
- Look at the cultural and religious background.
- Check spelling and pronunciation.
- Choose a meaning that feels personal and lasting.
Girl Names That Mean Dove
Dove-inspired girl names often sound soft, graceful, and peaceful. Paloma is one of the strongest choices because it directly means “dove” in Spanish.
- Paloma — Dove
- Dovie — Dove
- Dove — Dove
- Columba — Dove
- Colombe — Dove
- Yonina — Dove-associated feminine form
- Jemima — Dove
- Jona — Dove-associated
- Yonah — Dove
- Paz — Peace
- Irene — Peace
- Shalom — Peace
- Salome — Peace-associated
- Frida — Peace
- Serena — Calm or peaceful
- Serenity — Peaceful state
- Harmony — Agreement and peace
- Olive — Peace symbolism
- Olivia — Olive-associated peace symbolism
- Amani — Peace
Paloma is an especially beautiful choice for a girl because it is both elegant and directly connected with the dove.
Boy Names That Mean Dove
Dove-related boy names are less common, but several traditional and biblical names carry a direct or strong connection with the bird.
- Jonah — Dove
- Yonah — Dove
- Jona — Dove-associated
- Jonas — Dove-associated
- Yonatan — Traditional Hebrew name; dove-related associations vary
- Columba — Dove
- Dove — Dove
- Palomo — Male dove in Spanish
- Colombe — Dove-associated
- Shalom — Peace
- Paz — Peace
- Solomon — Peace-associated
- Frederick — Peaceful ruler
- Frederic — Peaceful ruler
- Ireneus — Peace-associated
- Pax — Peace
- Amani — Peace
- Kazuki — Harmony or peace-associated
- Noah — Rest or comfort
- Salem — Peace
Jonah is one of the most recognizable male names associated with a dove. Pax is a short, bold choice that captures the dove’s symbolism of peace.
Gender-Neutral Names Inspired by Doves
If you want a name that works well regardless of gender, consider these peaceful and dove-inspired choices.
- Dove — Dove
- Pax — Peace
- Paz — Peace
- Amani — Peace
- Shalom — Peace
- Salem — Peace
- Harmony — Harmony
- Serenity — Peaceful state
- Haven — Safe place
- Olive — Peace symbolism
- Sky — Sky-inspired
- River — Nature-inspired
- Rain — Nature-inspired
- True — Truth
- Peace — Peace
- Solace — Comfort
- Calm — Calmness
- Unity — Togetherness
- Grace — Grace
- Hope — Hope
Dove itself is a simple and meaningful word name. If you prefer something less literal, Pax, Amani, Haven, or Harmony can capture the same peaceful feeling.
Names That Literally Mean Dove
If your main goal is a direct translation rather than a symbolic connection, these names deserve special attention.
- Paloma — Dove
- Jonah — Dove
- Yonah — Dove
- Jona — Dove-associated
- Jonas — Dove-associated
- Jemima — Dove
- Columba — Dove
- Colombe — Dove
- Dovie — Dove
- Dove — Dove
- Palomo — Dove
- Yonina — Dove-associated feminine form
- Jona — Dove-associated
- Yonin — Dove-associated
- Yonina — Dove-associated
- Yonah — Dove
- Colomba — Dove
- Colombe — Dove
- Palomita — Little dove
- Palomita — Little dove
Meanings can vary between languages, spellings, and naming traditions. When a literal meaning matters to you, check the original language and form before making your final choice.
Biblical Names That Mean Dove
The dove has an important place in biblical symbolism, especially in stories connected with peace, purity, and God’s presence.
- Jonah — Dove
- Yonah — Hebrew form associated with dove
- Jemima — Dove
- Jona — Form associated with Jonah
- Jonas — Greek/Latin form associated with Jonah
- Noah — Rest or comfort
- Salem — Peace
- Shalom — Peace
- Solomon — Peace-associated
- Salome — Peace-associated
- Irene — Peace
- Ireneus — Peace-associated
- Dove — Biblical symbol
- Olive — Peace-associated symbol
- Olivia — Olive-associated
- Grace — Grace
- Hope — Hope
- Faith — Faith
- Eden — Delight or paradise
- Seraphina — Fiery or angelic association
Jonah and Jemima are the strongest traditional biblical choices when you want a direct dove connection.
The dove also appears as a powerful symbol of peace and divine presence, making related names meaningful even when they do not literally translate as “dove.”
Names Associated With Peace and Doves
Doves are strongly associated with peace, so a peace-inspired name can create the same gentle feeling.
- Irene — Peace
- Paz — Peace
- Pax — Peace
- Shalom — Peace
- Amani — Peace
- Salem — Peace
- Frida — Peace
- Frederick — Peaceful ruler
- Frederica — Peaceful ruler
- Solomon — Peace-associated
- Salome — Peace-associated
- Serenity — Peacefulness
- Harmony — Harmony
- Concordia — Harmony
- Olive — Peace symbol
- Olivia — Olive-associated
- Placida — Calm or peaceful
- Galene — Calm
- Winifred — Blessed peacemaking association
- Peace — Peace
If you love the dove because of what it represents rather than the bird itself, Irene, Pax, Amani, and Serenity are wonderful alternatives.
Rare Names That Mean Dove
Rare names can give your choice a distinctive feel while keeping the peaceful symbolism.
- Columba — Dove
- Colomba — Dove
- Colombe — Dove
- Paloma — Dove
- Palomo — Dove
- Palomita — Little dove
- Dovie — Dove
- Yonina — Dove-associated
- Yonah — Dove
- Jona — Dove-associated
- Jemima — Dove
- Paz — Peace
- Amani — Peace
- Pax — Peace
- Placida — Peaceful
- Galene — Calm
- Concordia — Harmony
- Salome — Peace-associated
- Frida — Peace
- Serena — Peaceful or calm
Columba is especially distinctive. It comes from Latin and is associated with a dove or pigeon.
For something softer, Paloma offers a rare-but-familiar balance.
Cute Names Inspired by Doves
If you want a sweet and gentle name, these choices have a light and friendly feeling.
- Dove — Dove
- Dovie — Dove
- Paloma — Dove
- Palomita — Little dove
- Jemima — Dove
- Jonah — Dove
- Jona — Dove-associated
- Paz — Peace
- Pax — Peace
- Amani — Peace
- Olive — Peace symbolism
- Hope — Hope
- Grace — Grace
- Harmony — Harmony
- Sunny — Sun-inspired
- Joy — Happiness
- Haven — Safe place
- Faith — Faith
- Serenity — Peacefulness
- Angel — Angel
Dovie and Palomita have an especially sweet quality, while Paz and Pax are short and memorable.
Nature Names With Dove-Like Symbolism
You do not have to choose the word “dove” itself. Nature offers many names that create a similar feeling of peace and gentleness.
- Olive — Peace symbolism
- Willow — Graceful tree
- Lily — Flower associated with purity
- Pearl — Purity and beauty
- Rose — Love and beauty
- Iris — Flower
- Wren — Small bird
- Robin — Bird name
- Lark — Songbird
- Swan — Graceful bird
- Sparrow — Small bird
- Sky — Sky
- River — Flowing water
- Rain — Rain
- Meadow — Natural landscape
- Fern — Plant
- Flora — Flower
- Dawn — New day
- Luna — Moon
- Aura — Breeze or atmosphere-associated
Wren, Swan, Lily, Olive, and Willow can work especially well if you want a nature-based name with a peaceful mood.
Names That Mean White or Pure Like a Dove
White doves are often associated with purity and innocence. These names capture that side of the symbolism.
- Alba — White or dawn-associated
- Bianca — White
- Blanche — White
- Gwen — White or blessed
- Candace — White or pure-associated
- Fiona — Fair or white
- Pearl — Precious and pale gemstone
- Lily — Purity symbolism
- Ivory — White
- Snow — Snow
- Neve — Snow
- Eira — Snow
- Gwyneth — Blessed or fair
- Bela — White-associated
- Shweta — White
- Safiya — Pure
- Catherine — Pure
- Katherine — Pure
- Agnes — Pure
- Claire — Clear or bright
If purity is the quality you love most about the dove, Bianca, Alba, Lily, Eira, and Safiya are worth considering.
International Names Connected With Dove and Peace
Dove symbolism appears across many languages and cultures.
- Paloma — Spanish, dove
- Palomo — Spanish, male dove
- Columba — Latin, dove
- Colomba — Italian, dove
- Colombe — French, dove
- Palomita — Spanish, little dove
- Jonah — Hebrew, dove
- Yonah — Hebrew, dove
- Jemima — Hebrew, dove
- Paz — Spanish, peace
- Pax — Latin, peace
- Amani — Swahili, peace
- Shalom — Hebrew, peace
- Irene — Greek, peace
- Frida — Germanic, peace
- Serena — Latin, calm or peaceful
- Harmony — English, harmony
- Concordia — Latin, harmony
- Placida — Latin, calm or peaceful
- Salome — Hebrew, peace-associated
When choosing an international name, look at the cultural context as well as the translation. A name can carry history and meaning beyond a simple dictionary definition.
Pretty Female Names Inspired by Doves
For a soft, feminine style, these names combine dove symbolism with graceful sounds.
- Paloma — Dove
- Jemima — Dove
- Dovie — Dove
- Colomba — Dove
- Colombe — Dove
- Yonina — Dove-associated
- Irene — Peace
- Serena — Calm or peaceful
- Amani — Peace
- Paz — Peace
- Harmony — Harmony
- Serenity — Peacefulness
- Olive — Peace symbolism
- Olivia — Olive-associated
- Alba — White
- Bianca — White
- Lily — Purity symbolism
- Grace — Grace
- Hope — Hope
- Eira — Snow
Paloma is the standout choice if you want a feminine name with a direct dove meaning. Irene and Serena are excellent if you prefer the peaceful symbolism.
Strong Male Names Inspired by Doves
For boys, dove-inspired names can be gentle without sounding weak.
- Jonah — Dove
- Yonah — Dove
- Jonas — Dove-associated
- Jona — Dove-associated
- Columba — Dove
- Palomo — Dove
- Pax — Peace
- Shalom — Peace
- Salem — Peace
- Solomon — Peace-associated
- Frederick — Peaceful ruler
- Frederic — Peaceful ruler
- Ireneus — Peace-associated
- Amani — Peace
- Noah — Rest or comfort
- Haven — Safe place
- Grace — Grace
- Hope — Hope
- Olive — Peace symbolism
- Wren — Bird name
Jonah is the most familiar choice on this list, while Pax offers a short and modern alternative.
How We Create Dove-Inspired Names
There are several ways to build a meaningful dove-themed name list.
The first is to look for literal translations. Words for dove, pigeon, or a specific dove species can become names in different languages. Paloma, Columba, Colombe, and Jonah are examples.
The second path is symbolism. The dove is strongly connected with peace, purity, gentleness, hope, love, and freedom. Names connected with these ideas can therefore work beautifully even when they do not literally mean “dove.”
The third path is nature. Other birds, flowers, sky imagery, and peaceful landscapes can create a similar mood.
Finally, consider sound. A name can feel gentle because of its rhythm and softness. This is why names such as Paloma, Serena, and Dovie may feel peaceful even before you know their meanings.
Tips for Choosing a Dove-Inspired Name
Start with the meaning you love most. Is it the bird itself, peace, purity, or gentleness?
Choose literal or symbolic. A name like Paloma is direct, while Irene represents the dove’s peaceful symbolism.
Check the language. Verify the original spelling and meaning.
Think about pronunciation. A beautiful international name should still be comfortable to say.
Consider the full name. Say the first, middle, and last names together.
Research cultural associations. This is especially important for biblical and mythological names.
Do not chase rarity alone. A meaningful familiar name can be just as special.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Dove Name
Assuming every bird name means dove: Wren, Swan, and Sparrow are bird-inspired but do not mean “dove.”
Confusing peace with dove: A name meaning peace may be symbolically connected to a dove without translating as the bird.
Ignoring language differences: The same word can have different forms across languages.
Choosing an unfamiliar spelling: Changing spelling can sometimes remove the original meaning or pronunciation.
Skipping cultural research: Biblical and international names can have deeper contexts.
Choosing only for symbolism: Make sure you also like the sound and everyday usability.
Forgetting the surname: A beautiful first name still needs to work with the complete name.
Overlooking nicknames: Think about natural short forms before deciding.
FAQs
What name literally means dove?
Paloma is one of the clearest names that literally means “dove.” Other choices include Columba, Colomba, Colombe, Dovie, and Palomo. Jonah and its Hebrew form Yonah are also traditionally associated with the meaning “dove.”
What girl name means dove?
Paloma is a beautiful girl name meaning “dove.” Jemima is another traditional choice associated with a dove. Colomba, Colombe, Dovie, and Yonina offer additional options. Paloma is especially appealing because it is feminine, elegant, and easy to recognize.
What boy name means dove?
Jonah is one of the best-known boy names meaning “dove.” Its Hebrew form is Yonah. Jonas is another form connected with the same name tradition. Palomo is also associated with a male dove in Spanish.
What name means dove and peace?
Paloma directly means dove, while Paz, Pax, Amani, Irene, and Shalom mean peace. If you want both ideas in one naming theme, choosing a dove name alongside a peace-related middle name can create a beautiful combination.
What is a rare name that means dove?
Columba, Colomba, Colombe, Yonina, Palomita, and Dovie are less common choices connected with doves. Columba has a classical Latin feel, while Palomita gives the meaning a sweet and affectionate quality.
What biblical name means dove?
Jonah is the most familiar biblical name connected with the meaning “dove.” Yonah is its Hebrew form. Jemima is also traditionally associated with the Hebrew word for dove. The dove itself has important symbolic meaning in biblical traditions.
What name symbolizes peace like a dove?
Irene, Paz, Pax, Amani, Shalom, Serenity, Harmony, and Olive are strong peace-inspired choices. A dove is widely recognized as a symbol of peace, so these names capture the same idea without literally meaning “dove.”
What is the prettiest dove-inspired girl name?
Paloma is a standout choice because it directly means “dove” and has an elegant sound. Jemima, Dovie, Colombe, and Irene are also beautiful alternatives. If you prefer symbolic meanings, Serena, Harmony, Olive, and Amani create a similarly peaceful feeling.
Conclusion
Dove-inspired names are filled with gentle symbolism. They can represent peace, purity, hope, love, freedom, and calmness, making them meaningful choices for many different naming styles.
For a direct meaning, Paloma, Jonah, Jemima, Columba, and Colombe are excellent places to start. If you prefer the symbolism behind the dove, consider Irene, Pax, Amani, Serenity, Olive, or Harmony.
Take a moment to compare your favorites by meaning, origin, pronunciation, and sound. The perfect name may be a literal dove name—or it may simply carry the quiet peace that makes the dove so special.