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Dev Boy

Popularity: #790 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: DEV /dɛv/

Origin: Sanskrit; English

Meaning: Sanskrit: divine; English: short form of names like Devin

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Dev has its roots in the Sanskrit word "deva," which means "god" or "deity." This term has been used in various contexts within Hinduism and other Indian religions to refer to divine beings or celestial entities. The transition of the name into English can be traced through the influence of Indian culture and languages, particularly during the British colonial period, when many Indian names began to be adopted and recognized in the English-speaking world.

Historically, the name Dev has been associated with various figures in Hindu mythology and literature. For instance, in the Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the term "deva" is frequently used to denote the pantheon of gods who play significant roles in the narrative.

Additionally, the name has been borne by numerous saints and scholars throughout Indian history, contributing to its cultural significance. The name has also appeared in various forms in regional languages, often retaining its divine connotation.

Culturally, the name Dev resonates with themes of divinity, virtue, and moral strength, making it a meaningful choice in many Indian communities. It is often used in conjunction with other names to form compound names that reflect auspicious qualities or attributes.

The diminutive form "Devu" is sometimes used affectionately, highlighting the name's versatility and enduring appeal in familial contexts. Overall, the name Dev encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of Indian society.

Famous people named Dev

Dev Patel is an actor best known for Slumdog Millionaire, Lion, and The Green Knight.
Dev Hynes is a musician and producer best known for Blood Orange, Lightspeed Champion, and collaborations with various artists.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Dev was first seen in the United States in 1969. Dev has ranked as high as #1233 nationally, which occurred in 2009, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Georgia. In the past 5 years the name Dev has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Dev (2024)

State Births Share
CA 19
25%
NY 13
17%
TX 13
17%
PA 10
13%
IL 9
12%
NC 7
9%
FL 6
8%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19695
19706
19718
19746
19768
19777
19789
197912
198010
198111
19827
19839
198413
19868
19877
198812
19898
199016
199120
199218
199414
199510
199612
199714
199821
199922
200041
200172
200266
2003111
2004117
2005101
2006111
2007104
2008107
2009145
2010114
2011136
2012119
2013114
2014113
2015106
2016121
2017134
2018117
2019114
202098
2021111
2022111
2023110
2024134