Dava

♀ Girl

Pronounced DAH-vuh /ˈdɑː.və/Medium

Meaning: Dava is generally read as a short feminine tied to Hebrew David, 'beloved'. It is also found in Persian-influenced naming, and some families link it to Slavic Dava. The Hebrew route is the most commonly cited.Low

In 30 seconds: A short, warm name: Dava reads as a feminine of David, Hebrew for 'beloved' (said 'DAH-vuh').

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Origin LowHebrew, Persian

MeaningDava is generally read as a short feminine tied to Hebrew David, 'beloved'. It is also found in Persian-influenced naming, and some families link it to Slavic Dava. The Hebrew route is the most commonly cited.

U.S. rank (2024)#13850 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1954

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,482

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Dava is a short name most often read as a feminine tied to Hebrew David, 'beloved' — the shepherd king whose name has travelled everywhere. It also appears in Persian-influenced naming and, more distantly, in Slavic usage. Which route a family has in mind varies, and we note that (said 'DAH-vuh').

It appears only rarely in U.S. records. Rare, short, and warm.

Did you know? Dava is usually heard as a compact feminine of David — Hebrew for 'beloved' — and it also turns up in Persian-influenced naming, giving it a quietly international reach.

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Dava — Short feminine tied to Hebrew David; Persian use also cited

Variations

DavahDaviDavia

Nicknames

DavVava

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Dava…

Davina— a like feminine of David

Ava— a like short, open two-beat pick

Davi— a like compact Dav- name

Nava— a like Hebrew two-beat choice

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Dava mean?

Dava is generally read as a feminine tied to Hebrew David, 'beloved'; it also appears in Persian-influenced naming.

How do you pronounce Dava?

It's said DAH-vuh /ˈdɑː.və/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Dava a boy or girl name?

Dava is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Dava?

Dava is a rare name for girls in the U.S.