What does Dave mean and where does it come from?
Dave is commonly known as a diminutive of David, which has Hebrew origins (דָּוִד). The name David is traditionally male, meaning 'beloved' in Hebrew. However, Dave can be used as a unique and quirky name for girls in modern contexts, especially in English-speaking countries. Its usage as a female n
Cultural significance
Dave has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved.
Peak popularity
Reached #953 in 1882 — currently #2456 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dave?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dave?
Dave works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dave Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Dave John
One syllable · timeless choice
Dave Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Dave Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Dave Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Dave Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Dave right now?
Falling — down 439 spots — currently #2456 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2456 | 55 | ▼ down 439 · -28% births |
| 2024 | #2017 | 76 | ▼ down 199 · -80% births |
| 2023 | #1818 | 382 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #1823 | 362 | ▲ up 5 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #1828 | 332 | ▲ up 3882 · +5433% births |
| 1960 | #5710 | 6 | ▼ down 2185 · -14% births |
| 1940 | #3525 | 7 | ▲ up 883 · +17% births |
| 1920 | #4408 | 6 | — |
The story of Dave
Dave has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. A total of 64,174 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4408 in 1920 to #1818 in 2023. Dave is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Dave in 1882:
Dave by decade
Dave peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,344 | |
| 1890s | 1,281 | |
| 1900s | 1,133 | |
| 1910s | 2,730 | |
| 1920s | 3,445 | |
| 1930s | 4,825 | |
| 1940s | 11,766 | |
| 1950s | 14,864 | |
| 1960s ★ | 15,804 | |
| 1970s | 2,593 | |
| 1980s | 1,511 | |
| 1990s | 1,105 | |
| 2000s | 986 | |
| 2010s | 715 | |
| 2020s | 203 | |
What are good nicknames for Dave?
What names sound and feel like Dave?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dave also consider these
How is Dave written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Dave?
Common questions about the name Dave
What does the name Dave mean?
Dave means "beloved" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Dave?
Dave is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dave?
Dave originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Dave?
Dave is a one-syllable name pronounced DAYV. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Dave sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Dave flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Dave ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.