"uncle"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Dave
Pronunciation: [ d-AYV ]
Boy Name
#2,019 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
1 Syllable
The beloved everyman classic, enduringly warm
English
American
European
Classic
Traditional
Bold
Vintage
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Dave
Dave is the informal short form of David, from the Hebrew 'Dod' or 'Dawid' meaning beloved or darling. David was one of the most important figures in the Hebrew Bible—warrior, poet, and king—and his name spread throughout the world with Christianity and Judaism. Dave became common as a standalone given name in 20th-century English-speaking countries.
Dave peaked as a standalone name in mid-20th century America, reflecting the era's love of short, friendly names. While David remained popular, Dave as a given name has declined, now often seen as retro. The name carries strong associations with the Baby Boomer generation.
David is the quintessential English and Jewish name, borne by two kings of England and the patron saint of Wales. Dave, the casual form, is quintessentially American in feel—approachable, unpretentious, and everyman.
Fun Facts
- David has been a top-10 name in the US for most of the 20th century
- There have been numerous world leaders named Dave/David across history
- Dave Matthews Band helped keep the name in cultural conversation through the 1990s
Dave in Other Languages
Arabic
داود
French
David
Hebrew
דוד
Spanish
David
Famous People Named Dave
D
D
D
Dave (TV character) Fictional
Other
Protagonist of multiple sitcoms named Dave, representing the universal everyman quality of the name
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #2,019
- Total SSA Count
- 76
- Cultural Origins
- English American European
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Davey
Davy
Pairs Well With
Dave James
Dave Michael
Dave Thomas
Dave William
Dave Paul
Dave Allen
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Dave is also used as a girl name, ranked #71346.
View Dave as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dave
What does the name Dave mean?
"uncle" (from Hebrew). Dave is the informal short form of David, from the Hebrew 'Dod' or 'Dawid' meaning beloved or darling. David was one of the most important figures in the Hebrew Bible—warrior, poet, and king—and his name spread throughout the world with Christianity and Judaism. Dave became common as a standalone given name in 20th-century English-speaking countries.
What is the origin of the name Dave?
Dave has Hebrew, English, American, and European origins. In Hebrew, it means "uncle".
Is Dave a boy or girl name?
Dave is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2019. As a girl name, it is ranked #71346. Dave is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Dave?
Dave is pronounced d-AYV.
How popular is the name Dave?
Dave is currently ranked #2019 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dave?
Common nicknames for Dave include Davey and Davy.
What are good middle names for Dave?
Popular middle name pairings include Dave James, Dave Michael, Dave Thomas, Dave William, Dave Paul, and Dave Allen.
What are good sibling names for Dave?
Names that pair well with Dave as siblings include Mark, Paul, John, Linda, Carol, and Janet.
How many syllables does Dave have?
Dave has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dave a common or rare name?
Dave is an uncommon name, ranked #2019 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Dave
Dave is a boy name with English, American, and European origins . The name means "uncle" in Hebrew .
Is Dave a boy or girl name? Dave is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,019 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #71,346. Dave is more commonly used as a boy name.
Dave is currently ranked #2,019 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dave has 1 syllable and is pronounced d-AYV, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dave include Davey and Davy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dave include David, Davis, Davion, Davian, Davi . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.