What does Dove mean and where does it come from?
The name Dove is derived from the English word for the bird, which is traditionally associated with peace, love, and hope. The name has biblical significance as well, often representing the Holy Spirit. Its use as a given name has seen a rise in modern times, often chosen for its symbolism of gentle
Cultural significance
Dove has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #639 in 1880 — currently #1487 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dove?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dove?
Dove works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dove Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Dove Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Dove Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Dove Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Dove Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Dove Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Dove right now?
Rising fast — up 136 spots — currently #1487 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1487 | 144 | ▲ up 136 · +13% births |
| 2024 | #1623 | 128 | ▲ up 520 · +44% births |
| 2023 | #2143 | 89 | ▲ up 53 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #2196 | 86 | ▲ up 197 · +15% births |
| 2021 | #2393 | 75 | ▲ up 680 · +47% births |
| 2020 | #3073 | 51 | ▲ up 3889 · +200% births |
| 2015 | #6962 | 17 | ▲ up 9503 · +240% births |
| 2005 | #16465 | 5 | ▼ down 4655 · -29% births |
| 2000 | #11810 | 7 | ▲ up 1585 · +40% births |
| 1995 | #13395 | 5 | ▼ down 4889 · -44% births |
| 1990 | #8506 | 9 | ▼ down 172 · +29% births |
| 1985 | #8334 | 7 | ▲ up 770 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #9104 | 6 | ▼ down 1111 |
| 1975 | #7993 | 6 | ▼ down 2578 · -33% births |
| 1970 | #5415 | 9 | — |
The story of Dove
Dove has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 937 total births recorded, Dove remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #639 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2143 in 2023. Dove is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Dove in 1880:
Dove by decade
Dove peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 58 | |
| 1890s | 96 | |
| 1900s | 65 | |
| 1910s | 67 | |
| 1920s | 62 | |
| 1930s | 11 | |
| 1940s | 10 | |
| 1950s | 15 | |
| 1960s | 82 | |
| 1970s | 78 | |
| 1980s | 44 | |
| 1990s | 70 | |
| 2000s | 55 | |
| 2010s ★ | 173 | |
| 2020s | 328 | |
💎Dove has only 937 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Dove?
What names sound and feel like Dove?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dove also consider these
Common questions about the name Dove
What does the name Dove mean?
Dove means "English" — a name rooted in English 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 Dove?
Dove is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Dove have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Dove?
Dove originates from English tradition. English 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 Dove?
Dove is a one-syllable name pronounced DUHV. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Dove sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Dove flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Dove ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.