Dev

“God”

India origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1579US 2023

110Births / yr

↑Rising

2.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 196900.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Dev

DEV

/ˈdɛv/ · stress on DEV · 1 syllable

“God”

India origin · Boy name

What does Dev mean and where does it come from?

The name Dev comes from the Sanskrit word 'देव' (dev), meaning 'god' or 'deity.' It is widely used in India and among Hindu communities. In Hindu mythology, 'Dev' refers to divine beings, and the name is often given to boys born in Hindi-speaking families or communities. The name gained some popular

Cultural significance

Dev has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god.

Peak popularity

Reached #1234 in 2009 — currently #1579 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Dev?

Dev works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Dev Grace

How popular is Dev right now?

Rising — up 12 spots — currently #1579 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#1579 · Top 1.2%

1970

1980

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1579	110	▲ up 12 · -1% births
2022	#1591	111	▼ down 24
2021	#1567	111	▲ up 63 · +13% births
2020	#1630	98	▼ down 88 · -8% births
2015	#1542	106	▼ down 91 · -7% births
2010	#1451	114	▲ up 3 · +13% births
2005	#1454	101	▲ up 890 · +146% births
2000	#2344	41	▲ up 3318 · +310% births
1995	#5662	10	▼ down 1961 · -37% births
1990	#3701	16	▲ up 333 · +60% births
1980	#4034	10	▲ up 610 · +67% births
1970	#4644	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Dev

Best Year2010Rank #1451

Peak Count114

Average Rank#2600

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1970 - 202312 years

The story of Dev

Dev is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1969. With 2,554 total births recorded, Dev remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4644 in 1970 to #1579 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Dev in 2009:

Jacob Ethan Michael Alexander William

Dev by decade

Dev peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	5
1970s	56
1980s	85
1990s	147
2000s	975
2010s ★	1,188
2020s	98

💎With 2,554 total births, Dev is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Dev?

Common

DevieDevy

What names sound and feel like Dev?

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

French · A French name

Des

American · Short form of

English · Beaver meadow or

Del

English · from the dell

How is Dev written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Dev

What does the name Dev mean?

Dev means "God" — a name rooted in India 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 Dev?

Dev is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Dev?

Dev originates from India tradition. India 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 Dev?

Dev is a one-syllable name pronounced D EH1 V. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Dev sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Dev flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Dev ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.