Dev Boy
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
In this section, you will find notable people named Dev. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Dev who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Dev who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
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.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Dev, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Dev. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Dev was first seen in the United States in 1969.
Dev has ranked as high as #2766 nationally, which occurred in 2009, and has been most popular in California, New Jersey, Texas, New York, and Illinois.
In the past 5 years the name Dev has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Dev is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Dev was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Dev.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 126 | 126 |
| 2024 | 134 | 134 |
| 2023 | 110 | 110 |
| 2022 | 111 | 111 |
| 2021 | 111 | 111 |
| 2020 | 98 | 98 |
| 2019 | 114 | 114 |
| 2018 | 117 | 117 |
| 2017 | 134 | 134 |
| 2016 | 121 | 121 |
| 2015 | 106 | 106 |
| 2014 | 113 | 113 |
| 2013 | 114 | 114 |
| 2012 | 119 | 119 |
| 2011 | 136 | 136 |
| 2010 | 114 | 114 |
| 2009 | 145 | 145 |
| 2008 | 107 | 107 |
| 2007 | 104 | 104 |
| 2006 | 111 | 111 |
| 2005 | 101 | 101 |
| 2004 | 117 | 117 |
| 2003 | 111 | 111 |
| 2002 | 66 | 66 |
| 2001 | 72 | 72 |
| 2000 | 41 | 41 |
| 1999 | 22 | 22 |
| 1998 | 21 | 21 |
| 1997 | 14 | 14 |
| 1996 | 12 | 12 |
| 1995 | 10 | 10 |
| 1994 | 14 | 14 |
| 1992 | 18 | 18 |
| 1991 | 20 | 20 |
| 1990 | 16 | 16 |
| 1989 | 8 | 8 |
| 1988 | 12 | 12 |
| 1987 | 7 | 7 |
| 1986 | 8 | 8 |
| 1984 | 13 | 13 |
| 1983 | 9 | 9 |
| 1982 | 7 | 7 |
| 1981 | 11 | 11 |
| 1980 | 10 | 10 |
| 1979 | 12 | 12 |
| 1978 | 9 | 9 |
| 1977 | 7 | 7 |
| 1976 | 8 | 8 |
| 1974 | 6 | 6 |
| 1971 | 8 | 8 |
| 1970 | 6 | 6 |
| 1969 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Dev (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 19 | |
| NJ | 15 | |
| NY | 13 | |
| TX | 13 | |
| PA | 10 | |
| IL | 9 | |
| NC | 7 | |
| FL | 6 |