What does Ovid mean and where does it come from?
Ovid is derived from the Latin word 'ovile', meaning 'sheepfold' or 'shepherd.' It is predominantly known as the name of the famous Roman poet Publius Ovidius Naso (43 BC – 17/18 AD), known for his works 'Metamorphoses' and 'Ars Amatoria.' The name Ovid has been used throughout history, associated w
Cultural significance
Ovid has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of shepherd.
Peak popularity
Reached #851 in 1894 — currently #944 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ovid?
Ovid works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ovid Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ovid Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ovid Claire
French influence · crisp
Ovid Jane
Literary · strong
Ovid Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ovid right now?
Holding steady — currently #944 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #944 | 1,256 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #949 | 1,236 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #954 | 1,206 | ▲ up 3846 · +24020% births |
| 1970 | #4800 | 5 | ▼ down 807 |
| 1965 | #3993 | 5 | ▼ down 277 · -17% births |
| 1960 | #3716 | 6 | ▼ down 1102 · -40% births |
| 1955 | #2614 | 10 | ▲ up 1144 · +100% births |
| 1950 | #3758 | 5 | ▼ down 1136 · -37% births |
| 1945 | #2622 | 8 | ▼ down 398 · -27% births |
| 1940 | #2224 | 11 | ▲ up 359 · +22% births |
| 1935 | #2583 | 9 | ▼ down 803 · -50% births |
| 1930 | #1780 | 18 | ▼ down 129 · -18% births |
| 1925 | #1651 | 22 | ▼ down 169 · -15% births |
| 1920 | #1482 | 26 | ▼ down 368 · -24% births |
| 1915 | #1114 | 34 | — |
The story of Ovid
Ovid has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. With 741 total births recorded, Ovid remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1380 in 1910 to #944 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ovid in 1894:
Ovid by decade
Ovid peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 8 | |
| 1900s | 22 | |
| 1910s | 190 | |
| 1920s ★ | 195 | |
| 1930s | 123 | |
| 1940s | 84 | |
| 1950s | 55 | |
| 1960s | 39 | |
| 1970s | 15 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
💎Ovid has only 741 total recorded births since 1886 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ovid?
Famous people named Ovid
O(
Ovid (historical Roman figure)
Ovid carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
O(
Ovid (Roman senator or statesman)
Ovid held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ovid?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ovid also consider these
How is Ovid written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Ovid
What does the name Ovid mean?
Ovid means "Shepherd" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Ovid?
Ovid is currently ranked #944 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 Ovid?
Ovid originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Ovid a common or rare name?
Ovid is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Ovid a classic or a modern name?
Ovid has Latin roots that go back thousands of years, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.