What does Dov mean and where does it come from?
Dov (דוב) is a Hebrew name that means 'bear.' In Jewish culture, bears are often associated with strength and protection. The name is quite prevalent in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide. Dov is also used metaphorically to signify a nurturing yet strong character. There are notable figur
Cultural significance
Dov has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bear.
Peak popularity
Reached #1280 in 2016 — currently #1453 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dov?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dov?
Dov works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dov Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Dov John
One syllable · timeless choice
Dov Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Dov Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Dov Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Dov Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Dov right now?
Falling — down 81 spots — currently #1453 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1453 | 123 | ▼ down 81 · -10% births |
| 2024 | #1372 | 137 | ▼ down 108 · -10% births |
| 2023 | #1264 | 152 | ▼ down 36 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #1228 | 160 | ▲ up 81 · +12% births |
| 2021 | #1309 | 143 | ▲ up 216 · +32% births |
| 2020 | #1525 | 108 | ▼ down 94 · -9% births |
| 2015 | #1431 | 119 | ▲ up 472 · +59% births |
| 2010 | #1903 | 75 | ▲ up 286 · +36% births |
| 2005 | #2189 | 55 | ▲ up 14 · +22% births |
| 2000 | #2203 | 45 | ▼ down 44 · +18% births |
| 1995 | #2159 | 38 | ▼ down 92 · +6% births |
| 1990 | #2067 | 36 | ▼ down 350 |
| 1985 | #1717 | 36 | ▲ up 117 · +16% births |
| 1980 | #1834 | 31 | ▲ up 35 · +19% births |
| 1975 | #1869 | 26 | — |
The story of Dov
Dov entered American naming records in 1949 and has been in use for over 75 years. With 2,896 total births recorded, Dov remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2427 in 1955 to #1264 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Dov in 2016:
Dov by decade
Dov peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 9 | |
| 1950s | 94 | |
| 1960s | 122 | |
| 1970s | 242 | |
| 1980s | 297 | |
| 1990s | 344 | |
| 2000s | 605 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,075 | |
| 2020s | 368 | |
💎With 2,896 total births, Dov is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Dov?
What names sound and feel like Dov?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dov also consider these
How is Dov written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Dov
What does the name Dov mean?
Dov means "bear" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Dov?
Dov is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Dov have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Dov?
Dov originates from Israel tradition. Israel 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 Dov?
Dov is a one-syllable name pronounced DAHV. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Dov sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Dov flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Dov ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.