What does Dover mean and where does it come from?
Dover is an English name that often refers to places, notably Dover in Kent, England, which is known for its white cliffs. The name has geographical significance and is often rooted in local history and heritage. The first recorded use dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, and it has been used as both a
Cultural significance
Dover has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the waters.
Peak popularity
Reached #2474 in 1922 — currently #12845 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Dover?
Dover works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dover Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Dover Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dover Mae
Sweet · timeless
Dover Claire
French influence · crisp
Dover Jane
Literary · strong
Dover Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dover right now?
Falling — down 8586 spots — currently #12845 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #12845 | 5 | ▼ down 8586 |
| 1960 | #4259 | 5 | ▼ down 295 · -17% births |
| 1925 | #3964 | 6 | ▲ up 81 |
| 1920 | #4045 | 6 | — |
The story of Dover
Dover entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 135 total births recorded, Dover remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4045 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12845 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Dover in 1922:
Dover by decade
Dover peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 26 | |
| 1920s ★ | 65 | |
| 1930s | 18 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 11 | |
| 1970s | 5 | |
💎Dover has only 135 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Dover?
What names sound and feel like Dover?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dover also consider these
Common questions about the name Dover
What does the name Dover mean?
Dover means "From the waters" — 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 Dover?
Dover is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dover?
Dover 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 Dover?
Dover is a two-syllable name pronounced D OW1 V ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Dover a common or rare name?
Dover is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.