What does Tova mean and where does it come from?
Tova (טובה) is a Hebrew name meaning 'good'. It is a popular name in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide. The name is often associated with positive attributes and is sometimes given to girls born on special occasions or in happy circumstances. Tova is the feminine form of the Hebrew name
Cultural significance
Tova has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of good.
Peak popularity
Reached #1756 in 1984 — currently #2643 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Tova?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Tova?
Tova works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tova Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Tova Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Tova Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Tova Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Tova Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Tova Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Tova right now?
Rising — up 16 spots — currently #2643 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2643 | 66 | ▲ up 16 |
| 2024 | #2659 | 66 | ▼ down 584 · -30% births |
| 2023 | #2075 | 94 | ▲ up 240 · +16% births |
| 2022 | #2315 | 81 | ▲ up 750 · +50% births |
| 2021 | #3065 | 54 | ▼ down 635 · -24% births |
| 2020 | #2430 | 71 | ▲ up 127 · +1% births |
| 2015 | #2557 | 70 | ▲ up 490 · +27% births |
| 2010 | #3047 | 55 | ▲ up 428 · +28% births |
| 2005 | #3475 | 43 | stable · +13% births |
| 2000 | #3475 | 38 | ▼ down 481 · -3% births |
| 1995 | #2994 | 39 | ▲ up 46 · +5% births |
| 1990 | #3040 | 37 | ▼ down 952 · -27% births |
| 1985 | #2088 | 51 | ▲ up 733 · +59% births |
| 1980 | #2821 | 32 | ▼ down 333 |
| 1975 | #2488 | 32 | — |
The story of Tova
Tova entered American naming records in 1942 and has been in use for over 82 years. With 2,385 total births recorded, Tova remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5855 in 1950 to #2075 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tova in 1984:
Tova by decade
Tova peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 10 | |
| 1950s | 65 | |
| 1960s | 131 | |
| 1970s | 268 | |
| 1980s | 447 | |
| 1990s | 380 | |
| 2000s | 441 | |
| 2010s ★ | 572 | |
| 2020s | 203 | |
💎With 2,385 total births, Tova is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tova?
Famous people named Tova
T(
Tova (historical community leader)
Tova led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Tova?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tova also consider these
Common questions about the name Tova
What does the name Tova mean?
Tova means "good" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Tova?
Tova is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tova have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Tova?
Tova originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Tova trending right now?
Tova is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Tova a common or rare name?
Tova is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.