Dave

“beloved”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#1818US 2023

382Births / yr

→Stable

64.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 188200

How to pronounce Dave

DAYV

/ˈdeɪv/ · stress on DAYV · 1 syllable

“beloved”

American origin · Unisex name

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 #1818 in the US.

🌿

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 Grace

How popular is Dave right now?

Holding steady — currently #1818 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1818 · Top 1.3%

1920

1940

1960

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Dave

Best Year2023Rank #1818

Peak Count382

Average Rank#3185

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1920 - 20236 years

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:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Minnie

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	72

What are good nicknames for Dave?

Common

DavDavieDavy

What names sound and feel like Dave?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dave also consider these

Jave

American · To have or

Dare

American · To be brave

Dace

American · Dace, possibly a

Dale

American · English

Davae

American · A variant of

Nave

English · a term used

Daze

American · to confuse or

Davee

American · beloved

How is Dave written in other languages?

Gender variants of Dave

BRITISH(Davina ENGLISH Davena ENGLISH Davida ENGLISH Davinia ENGLISH Davis ENGLISH Dawson ENGLISH

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 D EY1 V. 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.