Tove

“Scandinavian”

Swedish origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#6138US 2023

20Births / yr

↑Rising

192All-time births

📅 Since 193000

How to pronounce Tove

tuv·EE

/təv.ˈiː/ · stress on EE · 2 syllables

“Scandinavian”

Swedish origin · Girl name

What does Tove mean and where does it come from?

Tove is a name rooted in Scandinavian languages, particularly popular in Sweden and Norway. The name can be derived from Old Norse elements, often linked to beauty and nature. It has gained recognition in modern culture, especially through notable figures such as Tove Jansson, the creator of the Moo

Cultural significance

Tove has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Swedish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scandinavian.

Peak popularity

Reached #4703 in 1963 — currently #6138 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Tove?

Tove works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Tove Grace

How popular is Tove right now?

Rising fast — up 305 spots — currently #6138 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1930–2023#6138 · Top 4.5%

1930

1955

1965

1970

1975

1985

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#6138	20	▲ up 305 · +5% births
2022	#6443	19	▲ up 785 · +19% births
2021	#7228	16	▲ up 1182 · +33% births
2020	#8410	12	▲ up 3555 · +50% births
2015	#11965	8	▲ up 3203 · +33% births
2010	#15168	6	▼ down 456
2005	#14712	6	▼ down 3723 · +20% births
1985	#10989	5	▼ down 2740 · -17% births
1975	#8249	6	▼ down 2691 · -33% births
1970	#5558	9	▲ up 542 · +50% births
1965	#6100	6	▼ down 1099 · -14% births
1955	#5001	7	▲ up 239 · +40% births
1930	#5240	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tove

Best Year1955Rank #5001

Peak Count20

Average Rank#8554

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1930 - 202313 years

The story of Tove

Tove entered American naming records in 1930 and has been in use for over 94 years. With 192 total births recorded, Tove remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5240 in 1930, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6138 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Tove in 1963:

Lisa Mary Susan Karen Linda

Tove by decade

Tove peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1930s	5
1950s	12
1960s	28
1970s	29
1980s	27
1990s	5
2000s	17
2010s ★	57
2020s	12

💎Tove has only 192 total recorded births since 1930 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Tove?

Common

TovTovieTovy

What names sound and feel like Tove?

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

Love

American · affection, warmth, and

Cove

American · A small sheltered

Gove

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Norway · Scandinavian

How is Tove written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Tove

What does the name Tove mean?

Tove means "Scandinavian" — a name rooted in Swedish 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 Tove?

Tove is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tove have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Tove?

Tove originates from Swedish tradition. Swedish 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 Tove?

Tove is a two-syllable name pronounced T AH0 V IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Tove trending right now?

Tove is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.