Ovid

“Shepherd”

Latin origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#944US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

→Stable

741All-time births

📅 Since 188600.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ovid

ah-vid(english)

/ah-vid(english)/ · · 2 syllables

“Shepherd”

Latin origin · Boy name

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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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

How popular is Ovid right now?

Holding steady — currently #944 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#944 · Top 0.70%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ovid

Best Year2023Rank #944

Peak Count1,256

Average Rank#2285

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1910 - 202316 years

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:

John William James George Charles

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?

Common

OvOvieOvy

Famous people named Ovid

Ovid (historical Roman figure)

Ovid carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.

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 2025

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What names sound and feel like Ovid?

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

Ovis

Latin · Latin

Ovin

Norwegian · young lamb, youthful

Dovid

Hebrew · Hebrew

Orvid

American · spear friend, friend

Ovi

India · To exist; to

Kovid

Indian · the powerful one

Omid

Iran · Hope

Avid

USA · Eager, enthusiastic

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.