Dov Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: dohv //dɔv//
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: bear; dove
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Dov has its roots in Hebrew, where it literally means "bear." This etymology is derived from the Hebrew word "דוב" (dov), which has been used in various contexts throughout Jewish history. The name is often associated with strength and courage, qualities attributed to bears in various cultures.
The transition of the name into English occurred through the transliteration of Hebrew, particularly during periods of increased Jewish migration and cultural exchange, notably in the 19th and 20th centuries. Historically, the name Dov has been borne by notable figures within Jewish tradition.
One of the most prominent references is found in the Talmud, where bears are sometimes used as symbols of strength and protection. Additionally, the name has been associated with various Jewish leaders and scholars throughout the centuries, contributing to its significance within Jewish communities.
The name also appears in various historical texts and religious writings, emphasizing its longstanding presence in Jewish culture. Culturally, Dov resonates with themes of bravery and resilience, often symbolizing a protective nature.
The name has been embraced in various forms of Jewish literature and folklore, reinforcing its symbolic associations. In some contexts, diminutive forms such as Dovi are used affectionately, highlighting the name's versatility and endearment in familial settings.
Overall, Dov encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance, reflecting both its Hebrew origins and its enduring legacy within Jewish identity.
Famous people named Dov
In this section, you will find notable people named Dov. 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 Dov who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Dov 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.
Dov Charney is an entrepreneur best known for founding American Apparel.
Dov Khenin is an Israeli environmental activist best known for his work in the Knesset and advocacy for sustainable development.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Dov, 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 Dov. 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 Dov was first seen in the United States in 1949.
Dov has ranked as high as #2603 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, and Maryland.
In the past 5 years the name Dov has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Dov 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 Dov 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 Dov.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 123 | 123 |
| 2024 | 137 | 137 |
| 2023 | 153 | 153 |
| 2022 | 160 | 160 |
| 2021 | 143 | 143 |
| 2020 | 115 | 115 |
| 2019 | 134 | 134 |
| 2018 | 115 | 115 |
| 2017 | 118 | 118 |
| 2016 | 142 | 142 |
| 2015 | 119 | 119 |
| 2014 | 98 | 98 |
| 2013 | 86 | 86 |
| 2012 | 94 | 94 |
| 2011 | 98 | 98 |
| 2010 | 75 | 75 |
| 2009 | 81 | 81 |
| 2008 | 54 | 54 |
| 2007 | 75 | 75 |
| 2006 | 71 | 71 |
| 2005 | 55 | 55 |
| 2004 | 58 | 58 |
| 2003 | 53 | 53 |
| 2002 | 51 | 51 |
| 2001 | 62 | 62 |
| 2000 | 45 | 45 |
| 1999 | 53 | 53 |
| 1998 | 36 | 36 |
| 1997 | 23 | 23 |
| 1996 | 35 | 35 |
| 1995 | 38 | 38 |
| 1994 | 29 | 29 |
| 1993 | 32 | 32 |
| 1992 | 34 | 34 |
| 1991 | 27 | 27 |
| 1990 | 36 | 36 |
| 1989 | 29 | 29 |
| 1988 | 34 | 34 |
| 1987 | 24 | 24 |
| 1986 | 26 | 26 |
| 1985 | 36 | 36 |
| 1984 | 29 | 29 |
| 1983 | 25 | 25 |
| 1982 | 29 | 29 |
| 1981 | 34 | 34 |
| 1980 | 31 | 31 |
| 1979 | 26 | 26 |
| 1978 | 23 | 23 |
| 1977 | 29 | 29 |
| 1976 | 28 | 28 |
| 1975 | 26 | 26 |
| 1974 | 23 | 23 |
| 1973 | 22 | 22 |
| 1972 | 17 | 17 |
| 1971 | 27 | 27 |
| 1970 | 21 | 21 |
| 1969 | 11 | 11 |
| 1968 | 9 | 9 |
| 1967 | 12 | 12 |
| 1966 | 11 | 11 |
| 1965 | 13 | 13 |
| 1964 | 13 | 13 |
| 1963 | 14 | 14 |
| 1962 | 10 | 10 |
| 1961 | 11 | 11 |
| 1960 | 19 | 19 |
| 1959 | 18 | 18 |
| 1958 | 16 | 16 |
| 1957 | 12 | 12 |
| 1956 | 13 | 13 |
| 1955 | 12 | 12 |
| 1954 | 9 | 9 |
| 1953 | 9 | 9 |
| 1952 | 5 | 5 |
| 1949 | 9 | 9 |
Top States for Dov (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 |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 75 | |
| NJ | 41 | |
| CA | 5 |