Meaning: Small bay; sheltered inlet; from Old English cofa (room, chamber, bay) — a small sheltered indentation in a coastlineHigh
In 30 seconds: An English nature name meaning 'small bay' or 'sheltered inlet,' from Old English cofa. One of the newest and most evocative nature-word names — a cove is both shelter and beauty, protected and open to the sea.
MeaningSmall bay; sheltered inlet; from Old English cofa (room, chamber, bay) — a small sheltered indentation in a coastline
U.S. rank (2024)#1207 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births167 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,050
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Cove is an English word name from Old English cofa (room, chamber, small bay). As a given name it is a very recent American nature choice, following the trend for geographical water names like Bay, River, Lake, and Shore.
Cove ranked #1207 for boys in 2024.
Did you know? A cove is technically a smaller bay, usually enclosed by cliffs or hills on three sides — creating one of the most perfectly sheltered spots in nature. The word comes from Old English cofa (room, chamber), reflecting how a cove feels like a natural room cut into the coastline.
Overall data confidence 94%
U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data
Variations
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Famous Bearers
Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like Cove…
Bay— one-syllable water geography name in the same maritime tradition
Shore— one-syllable coastal geography name with the same nature feel
Reef— one-syllable maritime nature name with the same oceanic quality
Wave— one-syllable water concept name with the same breezy feel
Ford— Old English water-crossing name with the same short nature heritage
Frequently Asked
What does the name Cove mean?
Cove means 'small bay' or 'sheltered inlet,' from Old English cofa (room, chamber). A cove is a naturally sheltered indentation in a coastline.
How do you pronounce Cove?
It's said KOHV — one syllable, rhyming with 'dove.'
