Dev

♂ Boy

Pronounced DEV /dɛv/Low

Meaning: Divine, god, deityLow

In 30 seconds: Dev is a Sanskrit name simply meaning god or divine, from deva (a divine being or deity). Used in Hindu communities, it is one of the most direct and pure expressions of divine aspiration in a single syllable.

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Origin LowSanskrit, Hindi

MeaningDivine, god, deity

U.S. rank (2025)#1427 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births126 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2009

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,146

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

Dev is a Sanskrit name from deva meaning god or divine being. Used in Hindu communities across India.

Dev is used in India across Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and other languages, and in South Asian diaspora communities.

Did you know? In Vedic tradition, deva means a shining one or a divine being — the 33 main devas of the Vedic pantheon represented cosmic forces. Naming a child Dev expresses the hope that they will embody divine qualities.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name: dev

Variations

DevaDevrajDevendra

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Dev Patel (1990–present)
British actor and filmmaker known for Slumdog Millionaire, Lion and The Green Knight

If you like Dev…

Jai— Sanskrit victory name of same tradition

Om— Sacred Sanskrit syllable name

Ved— Sanskrit knowledge name

Dhruv— lands in the same popularity range

Daksh— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Dev

By themesanskrit one-syllable hindu hindi god divine

By meaningGod / Divine

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Frequently Asked

What does Dev mean?

Divine, god, deity

How do you pronounce Dev?

Dev is pronounced DEV.

What is the origin of Dev?

Dev comes from Sanskrit, Hindi.

What names are similar to Dev?

Similar names include jai, om, raj.