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Dove

♀ Girl

Pronounced DUV /ˈdʌv/Medium

Meaning: From the English word 'dove' (the bird), a symbol of peace and gentleness.Medium

In 30 seconds: Dove is an English nature name taken straight from the bird, long a symbol of peace and gentleness.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningFrom the English word 'dove' (the bird), a symbol of peace and gentleness.

U.S. rank (2025)#1487 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births144 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,434

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

The name simply uses the word for the dove, the soft grey-white bird that has stood for peace across many cultures. As a given name it draws on that imagery of calm and tenderness. It belongs to the tradition of English vocabulary names chosen for their gentle associations.

The actress and singer Dove Cameron, who rose to fame on the Disney Channel, has brought the name fresh visibility. Its single soft syllable keeps it quiet and understated.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Dove is 'origin uncertain', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name - Dove — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

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Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Dove Cameron (1996-present)
American actress and singer who rose to fame on the Disney Channel series 'Liv and Maddie' and the 'Descendants' films, and later as a pop recording artist.

If you like Dove…

Dawn— another English name

Love— shares the -ve ending

Layne— another nature pick

Jayde— a similarly popular pick

Rain— a fellow English choice

Explore names like Dove

By themeenglish nature

By meaningPeace Bird Gentle / Kind

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Dove mean?

Dove is usually explained as meaning 'origin uncertain' and is most often linked with English tradition.

How do you pronounce Dove?

It's commonly said DUV /ˈdʌv/.

Is Dove a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Dove is used as a girl name.

How popular is Dove?

In 2024, Dove ranked #1625 in the U.S. for girls, with 127 births recorded.