"small sheltered bay or inlet"
Origin: Old English cofa
Language: English
Cove
Pronunciation: [ k-OHV ]
Girl Name
#2,295 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
1 Syllable
A serene nature name meaning safe harbor
American
English
Earthy
Minimalist
Modern
Gentle
Whimsical
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Cove
Cove derives from the Old English cofa, meaning chamber or den, which evolved to describe a small sheltered inlet along a coastline. As a given name, Cove belongs to the modern nature-word name movement, evoking the image of a quiet, protected bay where land and sea meet gently.
Cove appeared as a given name in the United States in the 2010s as part of the broader wave of nature-inspired word names like Bay, Reef, and Grove. It appeals to coastal-loving parents seeking a serene, evocative name.
Coves have been gathering places and safe harbors throughout human history. The name evokes safety, shelter, and natural beauty.
Fun Facts
- Cove appears in US birth records beginning around 2012
- Famous coves include Pirates Cove in the Bahamas and Lulworth Cove in Dorset, England
Cove in Other Languages
French
Crique
Spanish
Cala
Portuguese
Enseada
Famous People Named Cove
C
Cove Fictional
Other
Character name in various American coastal-themed fiction
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #2,295
- Total SSA Count
- 81
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Pairs Well With
Cove Marie
Cove Elise
Cove Renee
Cove Sage
Cove Blue
Cove River
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Cove is also used as a boy name, ranked #1212.
View Cove as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cove
What does the name Cove mean?
"small sheltered bay or inlet" (from Old English cofa). Cove derives from the Old English cofa, meaning chamber or den, which evolved to describe a small sheltered inlet along a coastline. As a given name, Cove belongs to the modern nature-word name movement, evoking the image of a quiet, protected bay where land and sea meet gently.
What is the origin of the name Cove?
Cove has Old English cofa, American, and English origins. In Old English cofa, it means "small sheltered bay or inlet".
Is Cove a boy or girl name?
Cove is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2295. As a boy name, it is ranked #1212. Cove is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Cove?
Cove is pronounced k-OHV.
How popular is the name Cove?
Cove is currently ranked #2295 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Cove?
Popular middle name pairings include Cove Marie, Cove Elise, Cove Renee, Cove Sage, Cove Blue, and Cove River.
What are good sibling names for Cove?
Names that pair well with Cove as siblings include Stone, Reef, Wren, Briar, Bay, and Vale.
How many syllables does Cove have?
Cove has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cove a common or rare name?
Cove is an uncommon name, ranked #2295 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Cove
Cove is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "small sheltered bay or inlet" in Old English cofa .
Is Cove a boy or girl name? Cove is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,295 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,212. Cove is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cove is currently ranked #2,295 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Cove has 1 syllable and is pronounced k-OHV, making it easy to pronounce and remember.