The given name Columbus is derived from the Latin name Columba, meaning "dove" or "pigeon". It has its roots in the ancient Roman era and was a common name among early Christians, who associated the dove with peace, innocence, and the Holy Spirit.

In the 3rd century AD, the name Columba was borne by Saint Columba, an influential Irish missionary and monastic founder who played a crucial role in spreading Christianity in Scotland and parts of England. His name, which means "dove" in Latin, was symbolic of his gentle and peaceful nature.

The name Columbus emerged as a variant of Columba during the Middle Ages, primarily in Italy and Spain. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Columbus of Liège, a 12th-century theologian and philosopher who wrote extensively on the Crusades.

The most famous bearer of the name Columbus is undoubtedly Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), the Italian explorer who initiated the European colonization of the Americas. His voyages across the Atlantic Ocean in the late 15th century marked a significant turning point in world history.

Another notable figure was Columbus Isturiz (1766-1842), a Venezuelan military leader and politician who played a significant role in the Venezuelan War of Independence against Spanish colonial rule.

In the 19th century, Columbus Delano (1809-1896) served as the 23rd United States Secretary of the Interior under President Ulysses S. Grant's administration.

The name also gained prominence in the arts, with Columbus Falconbridge (1767-1819), an English painter known for his landscapes and portraits, and Columbus Bradford (1892-1983), an American playwright and screenwriter whose works explored themes of social injustice and racial discrimination.

While the name Columbus has its roots in Latin and early Christianity, it has transcended cultures and epochs, becoming associated with exploration, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge, thanks to its most famous bearer, Christopher Columbus.