Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Dov originates from Hebrew, meaning 'bear', and has evolved from its traditional Hebrew forms. It carries traits of strength and bravery and does not have a significant biblical relevance. The name has gained popularity in contemporary settings, reflecting positive connotations of resilience.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/dɔv/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Dov means 'bear' in Hebrew, symbolizing strength and bravery.
Meaning
bear
Language Evolution
Dov (Hebrew), Dov (Yiddish)
Historical Usage
The name Dov has been used in Jewish culture for centuries and has seen a resurgence in popularity in modern times, particularly among Hebrew speakers.
Variants & Derivatives
Dovi, Dovik
Modern Popularity & Image
Dov is perceived positively as a strong and traditional name, often associated with resilience and courage.
Famous People
Dov Charney - Founder of American Apparel, Dov Hikind - New York State Assemblyman
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 160 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 6 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2747th of 7552 | 169 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2064th of 10718 | 329 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2158th of 16616 | 497 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2022nd of 24088 | 984 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1431st of 23106 | 1,515 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
33.05% 803rd/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
22.34% 778th/3483 |
- |
45.99% 1860th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
16.38% 733rd/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
11.62% 600th/5164 |
- |
57.18% 4267th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
76.51% 3048th/3984 |
9.16% 411th/4487 |
53.84% 3673rd/6822 |
41.81% 2624th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New York across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2747th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2064th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2158th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2022nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1431st out of 23106 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.