Here is the discussion about Paloma's name on iVillage message boards before she was born:

discussion title: Paloma

message #:
35534.1
from:
yb_coach
date:
Aug-22 3:31 pm

I wanted something that would be unique but easy to pronounce and spell. My other kids are Carmen (the processional in our wedding from the opera) and Gabriel (my husband's choice, he says for the archangel but I think for his sister Gabriella).

So, for our new baby girl (due any day now), we had the name "Paloma" chosen, but my mom told me to go back to the drawing board, so now I'm doubting my choice!

Here's the list
(Popularity numbers according to Baby Name Voyager:)
Paloma (#847)
Ella (# 29 in 2004! My daughter wants to use this but I'm afraid it's too popular!)
Xochitl (never on the list, pronounced Satchie)
Siobhan (not in top 1000 in 1990s, but Irish and pronounced Sha-vaughn)
Paris (#156--my husband doesn't like because of that idiot celebrity, but we got engaged there)
Frances (#639)
Joy (#483)
Jolie (#620)
Esperanza (#750)

Paloma means "dove" in Spanish and reminds me of the Picasso painting of the dove carrying a bright bouquet (it's also his daughter's name).

Palomita in Spanish (little dove) also means popcorn and there is a nice old Mexican song that even Linda Ronstadt covered that we like. Our doctor who is from Argentina says there is a nice waltz called "Paloma", too!

My kids like the name and the other half of the family (Hispanic) likes the name, too, but my mom and sister's reaction have scared me off...

Help!

from: greatday05
to: yb_coach
date: Aug-22 4:05 pm

I think Paloma is a great name, especially given that the baby will have Spanish heritage!
I know it is hard, but if you and DH truly like the name - you should turn a deaf ear to the opinion of you mom and sister. My DH's mother and a few others were not fond of our son's name, but now that he is here they say it really suits him.

PS: I think it is impossible to ever choose a name that everyone is your family will like.

from: sarah7782
to: yb_coach
date: Aug-22 7:23 pm

I think Paloma is a wonderful name...I also liked Jolie and Esperanza from your list..I wouldn't listen to what others say or you will never pick a name that you think suits your baby..Plus its not their decision to make what the baby is named..good luck!


from: haarlasr
to: yb_coach
date: Aug-22 9:00 pm

I think Paloma is a great choice! It goes well with your other kids' names, it's easy to say and spell, and it's uncommon without being "weird." Your mom had her chance to name children, and this is now up to you and your DH. Plus, once the baby's born, I'm sure she'll fall in love with the newest grandchild so quickly that she won't care what her name is. ;-)

From your list, I also like Esperanza (or just Hope), Joy, and Ella, but Paloma is my favorite.


from: danimuzzio
to: haarlasr
date: Aug-22 11:03 pm

I like the name Paloma very much, i am from Brazil and one of my favorite actors is called Paloma Duarte.

I also like Ella a lot.

Good Luck!
Danielle

from: cully79
to: yb_coach
date: Aug-23 2:45 pm

I like Paloma also. It fits with your other children, isn't spelled weirdly, and is easy to pronounce. It also has a great meaning and seems to have personal meaning for you, which is the most important as far as I'm concerned. I'd say use Paloma and not tell your mother for sure until the ink is dry on the birth certificate!

I like all of your choices, except Paris (I understand your DH's reluctance)and Xochitl (too hard for the general population to pronounce and spell, plus could lead to some serious teasing). Any of the other choices would work well as a mn.

from: aaotrl
to: yb_coach
date: Aug-23 3:51 pm

Paloma is nms but I like Joy, Frances and Siobhan. (Not My Style)

from: lucy4980
to: yb_coach
date: Aug-23 6:13 pm

I like Paloma and Esparanza best. Ella is nice too, but as you said it is awfully popular lately. Xochitl is great, but no one will ever be able to pronounce or spell it, so I would rule that out. Same with Siobhan.

I would go with Paloma and let your mom and your sister get used to it ;)

from: loyerd6
to: yb_coach
date: Aug-24 9:38 am

I like Paris, but since your hubby doesn't like it because of the bubble-headed celeb, how about spelling it differently, like Parris, Parys or Parres? (ANGI'S reaction: No WAY!)