Kovu

♂ Boy

Pronounced KOH-voo /ˈkoʊ.vu/Medium

Meaning: From Swahili kovu, 'a scar'; the name of a lion in The Lion King II (Simba's Pride); routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A scar: Kovu is Swahili for 'a scar' — a Lion King character. Bold, modern, and warm (said 'KOH-voo').

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Origin LowSwahili, American

MeaningFrom Swahili kovu, 'a scar'; the name of a lion in The Lion King II (Simba's Pride); routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#7451 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births11 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 89

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

Kovu comes from Swahili kovu, 'a scar' — and is best known as the name of the lion hero of Disney's The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (named for the scar over his eye; routes layered, which we note, including the pop-culture link). A bold, modern name (said 'KOH-voo'; nickname Kov).

In the U.S. it registers thinly. Rare, a-scar at the root, and bold.

Did you know? Kovu means 'a scar' in Swahili — and is the name of the lion hero of The Lion King II (named for his scar) — a bold, modern name (which we flag for the pop-culture link; said 'KOH-voo').

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Kovu — Swahili; pop-culture link

Variations

KovuuCovu

Nicknames

Kov

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kovu…

Kion— a companion Lion Guard name

Jabari— a kin Swahili boys' name

Kayson— lands in the same popularity range

Khari— shares Kovu's Swahili roots

Kymir— shares Kovu's American roots

Explore names like Kovu

By themeuncertain american pop-culture swahili

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kovu mean?

Kovu is Swahili for 'a scar'; it is the name of the lion hero of The Lion King II. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Kovu?

It's said KOH-voo /ˈkoʊ.vu/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kovu a boy or girl name?

Kovu is a boy's name.

How popular is Kovu?

Kovu is a very rare, recent name in the U.S.